Kenya Episcopal Conference
PASTORAL LETTER
[From the Catholic Bishops of Kenya on the forthcoming Referendum on the Proposed New Constitution November 10, 2005]
"BE NOT AFRAID"
You know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. The night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day.
(Rom.13: 11b, 12-13a)Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ and all people of goodwill.
We the Catholic Bishops of Kenya, meeting in Nakuru, (7th - 11th November 2005), continued to reflect on the well being of our Nation and of our Church.
A matter of immediate concern is clearly the forthcoming Referendum on the Proposed New Constitution. After some ten years of debate, meetings and conferences, and more recently acrimonious accusations and even violent rallies, and after spending an estimated 8 billion shillings, there are only ten days left before 21st November 2005 - the landmark decision day when Kenyans will cast their vote on the Proposed New Constitution.
While reaffirming our consistent position on this issue, we call on all Catholics and people of good will to hold three days of prayer beginning on 18th November, 2005, and culminating on Sunday, 20th November - the Feast Day of Christ the King. For us Jesus Christ is Lord.
We, Kenyans, find ourselves at a crossroads. For the first time, we are going for a referendum on a proposed constitution which will decide the destiny of our nation. It is, therefore, the duty of all who are entitled to vote to do so on 21st November, 2005. All should seize the opportunity to take part in this historical exercise. It will be an expression of the maturity of our nation and of our sense of patriotism. This day should be one of pride for every citizen.
From our observation and discussions, we feel that the referendum debate has degenerated into violence, ethnicity of attitude, personality politics, power struggles, a culture of lies and public exchange of derogatory remarks. We note, however, on the positive side that the people have become more aware of their rights, the law and the mechanisms of how they are governed. It has opened up the democratic space in our country through freedom of expression.
Violence is not the way of Jesus Christ. When His own disciples wished to call down fire on a village, which would not welcome Him, He stated that violence is not His way "&.These set out and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for Him but the people would not receive him& seeing this, the disciples James and John said "Lord, do you want us to call fire from heaven to burn them up? But He turned and rebuked them&" Luke 9:53.
When St Peter drew his sword and cut off the ear of Malcus, Jesus rebuked him also and commanded him to put back his sword, and healed the severed ear. "Simon Peter, who carried the sword, drew it and wounded the high Priest's servant cutting off his right ear, 'Put your sword back in its scabbard'&and touching the man's ear He healed him." Luke 22:51. We, as followers of Jesus Christ, therefore, condemn any form of violence.
We, furthermore, condemn what we would call "violence of the mind," such as blatant lies, intimidation, threats or inculcation of fear. We are close to the victims of violence, and we especially express our condolences and assurances of prayers to the relatives of those who have lost their lives in recent violence.
We ask those who have any influence in society to focus on truth. Please speak with respect for others and do not use inflammatory language. We ask people not to sell their votes; to vote in an informed manner and to appreciate people who have different opinions. We call on our own clergy and religious to facilitate this entire process.
We remind all Kenyans that we have to remain united after the Referendum. We must, therefore, maintain peace before, on the day of the referendum and after the referendum. It has taken long to build peace in our country. Let us not destroy it.
We, the Catholic Bishops, have been consistent and firm in our position regarding the Proposed New Constitution. We urge the people of Kenya to read and get informed about this document.
Previously, we highlighted what we considered as its strong points and weak points. Now is the time for the people of Kenya to make a decision.
Conscience is a judgment of reason by which each human being decides whether an issue or an act, which he/she is going to do, is right or wrong. Conscience is a law of the mind. Deep within every person there is a law, which that person must obey. This law is calling one to do what is good and to avoid what is evil.
Always in accordance with God's Law and having adequately informed oneself, the conscience helps the individual to assume responsibility and to make decisions in freedom. No one must be forced or prevented from acting according to his/her conscience.
In the case of the referendum, therefore, we call on all Catholics and people of good will to study the Proposed New Constitution. If you feel that advice is needed, we encourage you to seek it from competent people and weigh carefully such counsel.
Above all, pray to the Holy Spirit to enlighten your conscience with His gifts. Then go out and vote calmly and with peace of mind and heart.
Whatever the outcome, let us accept the result. We have the assurance that God is with His People.
"So do not be afraid& it is Yahweh who speaks&
Do not be alarmed &for I am with you to save you." (Jer. 30:10-11)