Implementation of Small Christian Communities as a Pastoral Priority in the Church in Kenya: Opportunities and Challenges
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Date
2009
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
In the 23'd
October 2008 Editorial of the English version of the Cameroonian
Newspaper
L'Effort Camerounais
which is the newspaper of the national bishop's
conference of Cameroon, it was written, "At a time life is becoming increasingly
difficult for the average Cameroonian, it is but logical to learn from the Kenyan
Small Christian Community experience, where these groups have shown their
burden sharing propensity and helped the destitute in finding their bearing. Tell me
your involvement in a Small Christian Community and I will tell you your faith!"
This statement leaves a lot to be desired and not only challenges the existing SCCs
in Kenya but also affirms the role of SCCs in the society today.
Just like the other AMECEA countries of Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda,
Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and the affiliates Djibouti and Somalia, Kenya is
implementing the SCCs way of being Church as a pastoral priority. By so doing, the
lay faithful are coming to terms with the awareness that the Church belongs to them
just as much as it belongs to the rest of the hierarchy. This follows on in the spirit of
the Second Vatican Council that encourages the laity to participate fully and actively
in the Church's activities. It includes both at the liturgical celebrations and outside.
Moreover the clergy and religious are motivated to be at the service of the laity and
help nurture their gifts and talents.
Description
Keywords
Small Christian Communities, Pastoral, Church, Biblical Foundation