Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Philip Freier, has called for Australian support for people affected by political unrest in Kenya this month.

Dr Freier cancelled a planned January visit to Anglican community development partners in Kenya after claims of election rigging by the country’s major opposition party sparked violent protests in one of Africa’s most stable countries.

The United Nations estimates that 600 people have been killed since the December 27th election, including 17 people who sought refuge in a church that was set on fire in the western town of Eldoret.

At least 250,000 people have been displaced from their homes, with church compounds overflowing with people who fled the violence, including sexual assault and targeted ethnic attacks.

The unrest has been fuelled by tensions related to poverty, migration, and government corruption.

“The impact of this unrest will have long-term consequences on the most vulnerable people, and Australians have an opportunity to ensure the church in Kenya supports those affected,” said Dr Philip Freier.

“I encourage a prayerful and generous response to support people in Kenya at this time,” Dr Freier said.

Australian Anglican aid and development agency, AngliCORD, has launched an emergency appeal to support church agencies in Kenya who are working together to provide emergency food, water, blankets, and tents to displaced people.

Professional counselling and pastoral care will be offered to people traumatised and or sexually assaulted during the unrest.

Emergency funds raised through AngliCORD will enable members of the Action by Churches Together Kenya Forum to reach at least 25,000 people, targeting those worse affected in western Kenya and Nairobi’s slums.

Churches and church leaders play an influential role in the predominantly Christian nation of Kenya, with some accused of forming political alliances.

Four churches have been burned down, and the Anglican Archbishop of Kenya has warned that some people are using the political unrest as a cover for other agendas.

“Those torching churches and the people inside are criminals, with no reverence to God,” said Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi. “It is our prayer that the churches will raise their voices to call for real peace.”

Kenyan theologian Jesse Mugambi is also concerned that well-placed community expectations for good governance are being manipulated, saying "it is a tragedy to confuse democracy with anarchy.”

Dr Freier and Mrs Joy Freier spent much of January in the Middle East and Africa visiting community development partners of AngliCORD and the Anglican Board of Mission (ABM).

Article from: Anglican Media Melbourne - by Alison Preston