Kenyan voters pass new constitution opposed by Church
August 05, 2010
The people of Kenya have voted in a referendum to approve a new constitution, according to early election returns. The constitution, backed by the United States, was opposed by Catholic and Protestant leaders because of its provision allowing for the legalization of abortion.
“The Church has not lost any moral credibility,” said Bishop Cornelius Korir of Eldoret after the referendum. “The Church was only expressing God’s law.” Grateful that the election was peaceful, he added, “Thanks for the peace, and we ask you to continue living in peace.”
25% of the nation's 37.2 million people are Catholic, according to Vatican statistics. Some 45% of Kenyans are Protestant, while most of the rest are Muslims or hold indigenous beliefs.
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Further information:
- Kenyans Approve New Constitution in ‘Landslide’ Referendum Vote (Bloomberg)
- Kenyans vote on new constitution; Church leaders press for No vote (CWN, 8/4)
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