NAIROBI, NOVEMBER 27, 2018 (CISA) – The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (K.C.C.B) has pledged to enforce policies that protect children and minors against all forms of abuse.
“The Violence and evils committed against minors and vulnerable members of a society is a sign of a morally sick society. As your shepherds, we shall do everything possible to implement policies on child protection and safeguarding of these vulnerable members and require all who work with minors to commit themselves to these policies,” they said.
The prelates were speaking on November 27, during a press conference in Nairobi that followed their ordinary plenary assembly that took place early November in Isiolo.
In their statement that was read by the chairman of K.C.C.B and Archbishop designate for the Catholic Archdiocese of Kisumu ,Phillip Anyolo, the bishops condemned the recent upsurge in cases of sexual, physical and emotional abuse against minors, that have resulted in unplanned pregnancies and in some cases , death.
“We your shepherds are very concerned and upset by these cases…The increased cases of pregnant school girls clearly show that our children are being terribly abused, and we must tackle this problem at all levels of our society,” they said.
The bishops urged parents and teachers to guide the children to focus on learning and shaping their future, adding that abusers of minors and vulnerable people must face the full force of the law.
They further advised parents against resolving to short term unethical solutions such as contraceptives.
While condemning the rise of abortion cases among, the prelates urged Christians to hold on to the law of God that promotes respect for life, and ignore advertisements and companies that encourage such atrocities in the name of freedom of choice.
“Let us be wary of multinational companies and commercial adverts that advocate freedom of choice and easy solutions of self-exaltation that goes against the very moral law of God,” they warned.
The press conference was attended by Archbishops Anthony Muheria of Nyeri and Martin Kivuva of Mombasa, Archbishop designate of Kisumu, Philip Anyolo, Bishops: John Oballa of Ngong’, Joseph Alessandro of Garissa, Paul Kariuki of Embu, Maurice Muhatia of Nakuru, Joseph Mbatia of Nyahururu, Dominic Kimengich of Lodwar ,Joseph Obanyi of Kakamega and Apostolic Administrator of Bungoma, James Maria Wainaina of Muran’ga, Vicar Apostolic of Isiolo Anthony Ireri and Fr Daniel Rono the General Secretary of K.C.C.B.
