THAT WE MAY BE ONE
PRESS STATEMENT
A. Preamble
The Executive Committee of the National Council of Churches of Kenya has met here today at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru, to transact statutory business and reflect on the concerns that had been raised following the appointment of the General Secretary Designate, Rev Chris Kinyanjui, on 18th June 2019. We reflected on the scripture recorded in John 17: 10 – 19, and especially noted verse 11:
I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name – the name you gave me – so that they may be one as we are one.
Guided by this scripture, the Executive Committee meeting recognized that the Council has for more than a hundred years worked to reconcile Kenyans, and has a commitment to continue being the hope, conscience and light of the nation, and to fight for justice, democracy and good governance.
B. Concerns Regarding Recruitment of General Secretary
This Executive Committee meeting, with focus on dialogue and reconciliation, listened keenly to the issues raised by the members who had concerns regarding the recruitment of the General Secretary. These issues were then intensively discussed in detail, and clarifications provided. Consensus was reached on each item. In this process, the members recognized that there are some gaps in the governance instruments and processes, and it was agreed that these will be addressed at an appropriate time.
Members of the Executive Committee forgave each other for any offences that were occasioned prior to the meeting.
This Executive Committee meeting, after the extensive deliberations, was satisfied that the NCCK Constitution and By Laws were followed during the recruitment of the General Secretary Designate, and therefore affirmed its decision of 18th June 2019 to appoint Reverend Chris Kinyanjui as the General Secretary. He will assume office on 1st October 2019.
C. Conclusion
We conclude by calling to mind the importance of embracing a culture of listening in every situation. Listening to one another is the foundation of understanding and reconciliation in the society.
May God bless Kenya. May God bless the church now and always.
Signed on this 29th day of August 2019 at Jumuia Conference and Country Home, Limuru.
Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki
Chairperson
Rev Canon Peter Karanja
General Secretary
