Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - “We respect the outcome of the referendum, where the larger numbers of Kenyans have voted to accept this proposed constitution. However, truth and right are not about numbers. We therefore, as the shepherds placed to give moral guidance to our people, still reiterate the need to address the flawed moral issues in this proposed constitution. That voice should never be silenced,” says the declaration issued by the Bishops of Kenya and signed by Cardinal Njue, Archbishop of Nairobi and President of the Kenyan Bishops' Conference, following the referendum that approved the country's new Constitution (see Fides 6/8/2010).
“We have urged the Kenyan people to pray for a good constitution, for a constitution that respects the right to life, safeguards religious freedom in its legitimate manifestations and upholds the family as the most important societal institution. We repeat this appeal to all the Kenyan people. Let us join together in prayer for a good constitution,” reads the message which was sent to Fides by the CISA agency in Nairobi.
Cardinal Njue calls for a reform of the new Constitutional text in the parts that have been met with opposition by the Christian community, in particular the passages regarding abortion.
“The Church desires and will remain at the forefront to support the constitution and legal reform process in this country. This reform process cannot end, must not end, since we all aspire to build a better society that will respect the rights of all and facilitate our economic, social and moral development. Most Kenyans indeed recognized that the proposed constitution we voted for or against on 4th August 2010 had errors that needed to be corrected. Our main difference was whether we believed the reform should take place before or after the vote.”
“We recognize and highly commend the peaceful way in which Kenyans have generally conducted themselves during the referendum voting process. We ask Kenyans to make even greater efforts now to uphold the need for peace, love and unity in our relations as brothers and sisters to all other Kenyans,” concludes the message from Cardinal Njue, who also announced the forthcoming publication of a more thorough declaration in the days to come. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 7/8/2010)
