Kenya’s bishops denounce religious violence against Christians

November 11, 2013

Following recent attacks on churches and the murder of two pastors, Kenya’s bishops denounced religious violence.

“We are deeply concerned about the general state of insecurity across the country,” they said in a November 7 statement. “Of particular mention are the insecurity in the coast and northern Kenya regions, the burning of churches and killing of religious leaders in cold blood.”

“We appreciate efforts by our Muslim brothers and sisters to disassociate themselves from violence,” they continued. “However it is regrettable that some people continue to use the name of God and religion to kill and maim innocent people. We also disassociate ourselves from demands by some religious leaders for arms to defend themselves and their flock. Religious extremism will only brew more conflicts and create more division and strife among communities. We believe in peace and insist that it is the duty of the government to provide security for its citizens.”

The bishops also condemned corruption, called for calm in the face of an International Criminal Court case involving the nation’s political leaders, and discussed a proposed media law.

 

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Further information:

• Our Beloved Nation, Our Concerns (Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops)
• Kenyan Christians: ‘we will not be intimidated’ following murders (CWN, 10/25)
• 2 Christian pastors murdered in Kenya (CWN, 10/22)
• Catholic church in Kenya attacked; Al Shabaab suspected (CWN, 9/26)