AFRICA/KENYA - The Apostolic Nuncio urges Christians to keep away from tribalism and to embrace unity

Bungoma (Agenzia Fides) - Christians must keep away from tribalism which leads to the division of God's people and embrace unity to bring about peace. This is how Bishop Bert van Megen, Apostolic Nuncio in Kenya, addressed the Christians present at the consecration of the Cathedral of Christ the King of the Diocese of Bungoma. "We are a new family, the family of God, which goes beyond the tribal differences that divide us", remarked the Nuncio in his homily. "My wish is that this beautiful building, to which so many of you have contributed, financially or through your work and commitment, may contribute to greater unity in the diocese, so that the Christians of Bungoma become one family in Jesus-Christ. All who have collaborated are the stones, the masonry, the pillars, the windows, the tiles and, of course, the altar". "This is the House of the Lord and no one else can claim any rights. The only word that must be spoken here is the Word of God, no political debate, no quarrels or slander", reads the document sent to Agenzia Fides, in which the representative of the Holy Father warns the faithful against using the Church as a platform for political conventions. "The disciples of Christ are the home of the Holy Spirit who calls us to be united". "As Saint Paul says, there are those who plant, those who water, those who weed, and then there are those who harvest", said Mgr. Obanyi, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Bungoma and local Ordinary of the Diocese of Kakamega, thanking the faithful for their hard work and dedication until the completion of the Cathedral. "I am one of those who found themselves reaping what was planted and I wish to express my gratitude to those who put their heart and mind into this work".
The cathedral is the largest in Kenya and can accommodate up to 4,000 people. The project was initiated by the former local Ordinary of Bungoma, Bishop Norman King'oo Wambua, who now serves in the diocese of Machakos. He was also present for the occasion. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 17/5/2021)

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