Religious leaders 'need to foster unity'

Dec 11, 2013

A former minister says religious leaders should foster unity, team work and reconciliation in order to promote development.

By Ayiga Ondoga

A former minister has said religious leaders should foster unity, team work and reconciliation in order to promote development.

Catherine Akumu Mavenjina, a former State minister of public service, placed emphasis on the need for unity, team work and reconciliation in development efforts by religious institutions and the government at large.

She was speaking as chief guest at a fundraising drive for the completion of the construction of Christ the King, estimated at sh120m, in Warr sub-county, Zombo district on Monday.

The former minister recognized the development roles religious groups play in society.

“In Zombo district, we have Nyapea hospital, St. Aloysius College, Nyapea and Warr Girls School which are providing good services to our people,” she said.

The fundraising drive was preceded by a thanksgiving mass conducted by the parish priest of Warr Catholic Church, Fr. David Kumakech.

Mavenjina observed that if religious leaders and government work together, delivery of services and establishment of development projects will easily reach the people at the grassroot-level.

Her belief is that cooperation would inspire development because “church leaders and government are partners in promoting development”.

Over sh3m was raised at the ceremony, half the amount collected in a previous fundraising.

Fr. Kumakech appealed to the Christians to contribute generously towards the completion of the construction work because the old grass-thatched church risks collapsing due to the heavy rains in the district.

“When you give to God, He will reward you double-fold,” he urged.

He went on further to call on the people have change of attitude towards God especially when it comes to the establishment of development projects under religious organisations.

“Development programmes managed by churches can create a big difference in the lives of the people especially in the rural communities.”

 

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