Photo Credit: Anglican Communion Office
The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion has visited the Diocese of Kapsabet in the Anglican Church of Kenya. Bishop Anthon Poggo's visit has been hosted by the Right Revd Dr Paul Korir, the Bishop of Kapsabet, Celine Korir, the President of Mothers’ Union in the diocese, staff from the diocesan office and the church community in Kapsabet.
The Diocese of Kapsabet was established in 2016, It is a diocese with 47 parishes, 96 clergy, 50 secondary schools and 150 primary schools. The diocese was developed from the Diocese of Eldoret and it covers the entire Nandi County.
The diocesan vision describes a church that's working for: 'A sustainable and transformative diocese rooted in the Word of God for ministry and service to the church and society. Their motto: Leading a Legacy: Building a Missional Church.'
The Secretary General’s visit on July 16 began with Eucharist at St Barnabas, Pro-Cathedral of the Diocese of Kapsabet. Bishop Paul presided and Bishop Anthony gave a sermon on Ephesians 6 and the teachings of St Paul about the armour of God.
The service was followed by a time of fellowship, facilitated by Bishop Paul Korir and members of the diocesan staff. It was a time of introductions from church teams including the Youth and Children Ministry Council, Mothers’ Union Council, the KAMA Council (Diocesan Men’s Council), the Standing Committee of Synod and the clergy of the diocese.
Presentations were shared about two diocesan community projects. Firstly, the Jipe Moyo project, established in response to COVID-19. Secondly, the ‘Safe Communities’ project, implemented by Mothers’ Union department, aimed at combating Gender Based Violence within the community. Both projects were funded by the Anglican Communion Fund and the diocese expressed appreciation for the funding.
Speaking about the sense of community in the diocese, Bishop Paul Korir said: “We the Diocese of Kapsabet find our joy and strength from the local church… we are self-willing and self-motivated clergy who inspire ministry to the glory and honour of God…. We have a team behind a vision and the church is growing due to the commitment of clergy and lay leaders.”
During the fellowship, Bishop Anthony spoke about the role of the Anglican Communion Office as secretariat to the Anglican Communion. He described the Instruments of the Anglican Communion and also the work of IASCUFO (Inter Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order), with which Bishop Paul Korir is involved. Bishop Anthony also updated the congregation on the ongoing discussion series on the Lambeth Calls, being facilitated by the ACO’s Episcopal Ministry Team.
Time was given to address questions from the congregation, relating to different perspectives in the Anglican Communion on matters of human sexuality, the ordination of women and Anglican Identity. The Secretary General's encouragement was that mission is contextual and that every church of the Anglican Communion is autonomous. Each must consider the needs of their context and respond to the issues in their context.
During the afternoon, the Secretary General was taken to visit the construction site of a new multi-purpose community and commercial centre called the ACK Kapsabet Plaza. The diocese is raising funds to support the build. The vision is to create a facility that combines shops, offices and community services to benefit the area. In time, it will generate funding to support the ministry and work of the diocese.
The day concluded with a visit to meet the staff at the diocesan office in Kapsabet.
Speaking of his visit, Bishop Anthony said: ‘The Anglican Communion is a family, a network of local churches around the world, faithfully serving their communities. I passionately believe in the ministry of the local church. It is powerful in sharing good news and bringing transformation to community life. The Diocese of Kapsabet is a wonderful example of what a thriving and faithful church looks like. It’s been a joy to visit. On behalf of the Anglican Communion Office, I express my thanks to Bishop Paul, Celine and family, and the wider church community for their warm welcome and rich hospitality.’
Commenting on the Secretary General’s visit, Bishop Paul Korir said: ‘The visit the Secretary General has made to the Diocese of Kapsabet has been a wonderful blessing. We have met as people to people. As a rural diocese, we have experienced the localisation of the ACO and the instruments. The ACO has spent time in the mission field listening and learning about how our ministry. Thanks to Bishop Anthony’s time with us, we have a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges affecting the global communion. We have been able to think about how it’s part of all our roles to deal with things as family. So, let’s be family, let us reason together, strengthening family bonds and ties.’
The Secretary General’s visitation programme will continue to other dioceses in Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan.