Christian Unity “must be understood to be another aspect of prayer”: Bishop in Kenya

Bishop Odiwa emphasized the need for unity among Christians, saying, “Don't be divided. Was Jesus Christ divided?”  

Christian unity “is not a call to conversion but a call to understanding,” the Kenyan Catholic Bishop who has been at the helm of Homa Bay Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in February 2021 said during the WPCU Holy Mass.

Observed annually from January 18-25, this year’s WPCU was guided by the theme, “Do good; seek justice.”

The theme that was selected by the Minnesota Council of Churches, USA, was motivated by the aftermath of the extrajudicial killing of George Floyd and the trial of the police officer responsible for his death.

In his homily, the Local Ordinary of Homa Bay said WPCU presents Christians with time to reflect on their faith.

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“As people who profess the Christian faith, it is a moment to reflect, to consider Jesus Christ,” Bishop Odiwa said.

He called on Christians, who are the majority in Kenya, to fight injustices and other vices in society.

“Kenya is 80% Christian but why are we not making any difference?” Bishop Odiwa posed, and continued, “Shun corruption, believe in justice, defend the widows. These are the practices of life that really express that God has called us here so that justice and uprightness we may pursue.” 

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.