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Meru The recently named Bishop of the Meru Diocese, Jackson Murugara, was formally consecrated during an elaborate ceremony at Kinoru Stadium in Meru Town on Wednesday, March 19.
During the ceremony, Archbishop Maurice Muhatia Makumba, who leads the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), explained the Church's position regarding contributions, stressing that evangelization has consistently depended on the kindness of believers since the time of the apostles.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that actions motivated by kindness should remain out of the spotlight.
"I simply wish to emphasize that from the very start, the Church has consistently relied on contributions. Even during the era of Jesus Christ, His ministry received significant support through donations. Throughout history, even today, the Church continues to depend on the kindness of both men and women who contribute to this mission of spreading the gospel," Archbishop Muhatia clarified.
Archbishop Muhatia additionally stressed that although the Church does not turn down contributions, these should be offered privately.
He cited Bishop Murugara’s episcopal slogan, “Good deeds should be performed quietly,” which resonates with KCCB’s position against so-called "publicity-driven donations” made via microphone or loudspeaker for showmanship purposes.
We do not turn down contributions; we do not deny gifts. However, the principle upheld by the newly consecrated bishop encapsulates our message: 'Good deeds should be performed wisely and discreetly.'
Our concerns include donations of microphones, donations of loudspeakers, and donations motivated by publicity-seeking. The bishop maintains a steadfast stance aligned with the views of KCCB. He added, "Our Heavenly Father, who observes every silent act, shall bestow upon you your rewards."
In light of the 2025 Lenten Campaign theme, "The Kenya We Desire," Archbishop Muhatia urged Catholics to assume a prominent position in combating corruption.
The principal celebrant, Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya and South Sudan, Archbishop Hubertus Matheus Maria van Megen, encouraged the recently ordained bishop to maintain the principles of service by avoiding anything out of the ordinary.
He cautioned that imposing a housing tax isn’t necessary to construct a new place of worship for God. Similarly, applying social levies to provide food for the needy shouldn’t be about turning rocks into loaves of bread or countlesschapatis.
The Archbishop of Nyeri, Anthony Muheria, restated the Church's stance against allowing political addresses in religious venues.
"As everyone understands, the stance of the Catholic Bishops' Conference is that we won’t permit political addresses during our ceremonies. Nonetheless, we acknowledge the significant honor bestowed upon us by our leadership," he stated.
Bishop Murugara was named Coadjutor Bishop of Meru on January 16, with his official assumption of leadership taking place during an ordination ceremony held on Wednesday, March 19.
More to follow...
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