Catholic Archbishop Hails Interfaith Unity at Kenyan Coastal Regions

Mombasa, 17 December, 2025 / 4:12 PM

The Archbishop of Kenya’s Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa has commended the collaborative spirit among diverse religious groups in the country’s coastal region, noting that interfaith unity has enhanced dialogue and fostered peace among various denominations in the region, including indigenous faiths.

In his reflection on Tuesday, December 16, during Mombasa County’s Christmas tree lighting event, Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde attributed the spirit of interfaith dialogue to “two important groupings”: one that brings together Sheikhs and leaders of traditional religions, and the Mombasa Church Forum, “which brings together all churches of those who believe in Christ.”

“These groups bring us together, unite us, and strengthen relationships,” Archbishop Kivuva explained during the event that was held at the County’s Treasury Square.

He paid tribute to faith leaders in the coastal region who he said had, over the years, ensured that the region remained united despite the presence of diverse faiths.

He said, “We demonstrate and live out the Mombasa of long ago, from the time of Vasco da Gama and others who passed through or lived here. There were believers, there were different denominations, and the city became a friendly place for all travelers.”

“That is why it is described as the only region where many cultures blended. We can share meals together during Ramadan, celebrate Easter together, and celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ, together,” the Kenyan Catholic Church leader said, emphasizing that “it is possible to live together despite our different religions, different tribes, and different origins.”

In his December 16 reflection, the Archbishop of the Metropolitan See located along the Kenyan coastline underscored the significance of Christmas, describing it as a sign of God’s love for the people of God and a reminder of “the importance of our families.”

“God saw it fit to give us a unique gift, His Son, Jesus Christ,” he said, adding, “Jesus could have come in many ways, but He chose to come through the family of Mary and Joseph.”

Archbishop Kivuva emphasized that although Joseph was not the biological father of Jesus, he was his foster father. “This reminds us of the importance of our families,” he said.

The Kenyan Catholic Church leader highlighted the importance of peace, love, compassion, and mutual support, noting that families lacking these essential values face many challenges. “When illness strikes, it becomes a major burden, and when children go astray, it becomes a serious problem,” he said.

He explained that “the birth of Jesus in the family of Joseph and Mary showed us that it is the family that forms what we call society. Society has different religions and various ways of raising its members and above all, the responsibility of teaching children who God is and how to worship Him.

“If a family is Muslim, they will raise their children in the Islamic way. If a family is Christian, they will raise them in the Christian way. All these paths bring us closer to God,” Archbishop Kivuva said.

The Kenyan Catholic Church leader noted that the annual tradition of lighting a Christmas tree carries a deeper symbolic meaning. 

“The history of the Christmas tree gives us the opportunity to remember God’s love, which continues to this day,” he said, and added, “Lighting the Christmas tree is a way of making ourselves like a beacon that can be seen by all—bringing light, driving away evil, and removing darkness.” 

“We want a light that brings the people of God, the people of the county, and the people of the world to understand that evil has no place among us,” Archbishop Kivuva said.

He called upon the people of God under his pastoral care to continue remembering the needy during the Christmas season and as they welcomed the New Year 2026, saying, “Let acts of compassion flow from us.”

“We are all invited to bring joy and share the gifts we have been given, whether it is through providing food or visiting the sick. I wish you joy, blessings, and happiness this Christmas, and a prosperous New Year,” Archbishop Kivuva said during the December 16 Christmas tree lighting event, which the Governor of Mombasa County, Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir, presided over.