PRELATES STANCE ON DRAFT CONSTITUTION IS ALOT MORE DISINGENUOUS.

Three quiescent years after the botched up 2007 Presidential elections, it seems as if the leadership of the mainstream Christian Churches has rediscovered its voice again in the political arena. But unfortunately, once more its position, as represented by among others; cardinal John Njue of the catholic church and Reverend Peter Karanja; Provost of All Saints' Cathedral Nairobi, is yet again, on the wrong side of history. This is because their remarks to the effect that they will rally “their flock” to vote against the draft constitution are a lot more disingenuous. Far be it for me to suggest that the prelates have no right as citizens of this country to comment on this country’s constitutional issues. The problem is that usually, whenever they comment on any constitutional issue, it is presumed that theirs is a reflection of the common position adopted by the church faithful. It is for this reason that I beseech them to be more guarded with their speech lest they want to goof time and again and in so doing, keep on confirming their astounding ignorance on constitutional matters with relative ease. Remember the 2005 draft constitution referendum vote? The leadership of the mainstream Churches tried to force down the throats of the faithful the direction to take. So many Christians I know voted en-masse against the respective positions taken by the church leadership. This bits and pieces of increased and unrestrained sentiments by the top church leadership is not only a manifestation of their dictatorial tendencies but is also a clear pointer to the disrespect with which they hold “their flock.” Clearly, they have no respect for individual conscience and liberties on matters constitutional. I wish to remind them that the flock shall once more rightfully give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. It behooves the faithful to see the clergy behave as if matters constitutional are solely in the confines of faith more than reason. Take for instance, the right to life; it appalls the faithful that the church leadership is even oblivious of the obvious relationship between religion and science. Is not crystal clear to the church leadership that God intended science and religion to compliment each other? The church leadership must begin to seriously examine itself and stop these antics. Theirs is not only a disgusting trend but also a dangerous one for that matter and which will not be tolerated by the faithful. I must not hesitate to state that I am a Christian faithful but not a Christian faith fool. I therefore have no patience with subjective and partisan prelates. The stance by the church leadership will undoubtedly see sentiments simmer at dangerously high temperatures in the mainstream churches. Managing this disappointment will require deft hands. It will perhaps take a lot more reassurance in the weeks and months ahead to calm the deep seated simmering anxiety among the faithful of the mainstream Churches. TOME FRANCIS, BUMULA. http://twitter.com/tomefrancis