Church and Politics Summit 2021

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Setting the Agenda for Engagement
The world over, politics seems to be the single most dominant determinant of the stability and destiny of nations. Whether in the most advanced nations or in the lowest developing countries, negative politics has resulted in tension, violence and, at times, outright wars. Here in Kenya, every electoral cycle seems to come with serious divisions that greatly disrupt the socio-economic activities of Kenyans.

“In every action we take, we are doing either of two things. We are either helping create a hell on earth or helping to bring a foretaste of heaven. We are either contributing to the broken condition of the world or participating with God in transforming the world to reflect His righteousness. We are either advancing the rule of Satan or establishing the reign of God.
Charles Colson

The Church in Kenya, in collaboration with the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has come together to facilitate a robust conversation at a proposed Leadership Summit on Church and Politics from 16-18 June 2021. The Summit will, among other things, draw lessons from the Church in Africa and other parts of the world. Of particular interest is the USA where the 2020 elections brought to the fore serious questions about the role of the Church in politics.

  • Rev. Jacqueline Othoro
  • Rev. Patrick Kuchio
MCs for the day

Rev. Patrick Kuchio & Dr Jackie Othoro

Head of Missions at CITAM
  • Dr. David Oginde
  • Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia
Opening Session
8:30am - 10:30am

The Kenya Scenario – Bishop Dr David Oginde
● The Role of the Church in Promoting Peace and Cohesion in the Nation - Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia

Opening Address: TBC

Bishop Emeritus, CITAM
National Chairman, NCIC
  • Dr. Oliver Kisaka
  • Gov. Kivutha Kibwana
  • Mr. Simon Mbevi
  • Rev. Dr. Linda Ochola
Thematic Session 1 - The Church as a Citizen
11:00am - 1:00pm

Main Presenter: Dr. Oliver Kisaka
● Discussants: H.E Prof Kivutha Kibwana, Pastor Simon Mbevi, Dr Oliver Kisaka
● Moderator: Rev Dr Linda Ochola

Managing Director, CORAT
Governor of Makueni County
Executive Director, Transform Nations
Executive Director of Hatua Trust
  • Bob Inglis
  • Dr. Ron Sider
  • Nikki Toyama-Szeto
  • Rev. Adam Taylor
The Global Scenario
3:00pm - 5:30pm

Main Presenter: Dr Ron Sider
● Discussants: Rep. Bob Inglis, Rev. Adam Taylor, Dr Ron Sider
● Moderator: Nikki Toyama‑Szeto

Executive Director republicEn.org
Executive Director, Christians for Social Action
Executive Director Christians for Social Action
President of Sojourners
MCs for the day

Vincent Ombaka & Dr. Nelson Makanda

  • Dr. Vinoth Ramachandra
  • Prof. Bernard Boyo
Morning Plenary
8:30am - 10:30am

Morning Plenary Speaker: Dr Vinoth Ramachandra
● Respondent: Prof. Bernard Boyo

Secretary for Dialogue & Social Engagement, IFES
Professor, Daystar University
  • Bernice W. Gachegu
  • Bishop Dr Geoffrey Kamau
  • Caren Wakoli
  • Prof. PLO Lumumba
  • Rev. Canon Sammy Wainaina
Thematic Session 2 - The Church as an Advocate
11:00am - 1:00pm

Main Presenter: The Very Rev. Canon Dr Sammy Wainaina
● Discussants: Bishop Dr Geoffrey Njuguna, Caren Wakoli, Prof P.L.O. Lumumba, The Very Rev. Canon Dr Sammy Wainaina
● Moderator: Bernice Gachegu

Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
Senior Pastor, Deliverance Church Langata
Founder and Executive Director of ELF
Advocate of the High Courts of Kenya and Tanganyika
Provost, All Saints Cathedral Nairobi
  • Hon. Linah J. Kilimo, EGH
  • Hon. Patrick Mariru
  • Mr. Joe Ageyo
  • Ms. Suzanne Silantoi Lengewa
  • Prof. Hellen Sambili
  • Prof. Margaret J. Muthwii
Thematic Session 3 - The Church as a Participant
3:00 - 5:30pm

Main Presenter: Hon. Prof Helen Sambili
● Discussants: Prof Margaret Muthwii, Hon. Linah Jebii Kilimo, Hon Patrick Mariru, Ms Suzanne Silantoi Lengewa
● Moderator: Joe Ageyo

CAS, Ministry of Public Service and Gender
Member of Parliament Laikipia West
Editorial Director, Royal Media Services
Public Policy Analyst
Chancellor at Garissa University
Vice Chancellor PAC University
  • Joy Mdivo
  • Rev. Joseph Obwanda
MCs for the day

Rev. Joseph Obwanda & Joy Mdivo

Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
  • H.E President Lazarus Chakwera
  • Rev. Calisto Odede
Morning Plenary
8:30am - 10:30am

Morning Main Speaker: H.E President Lazarus Chakwera
● Respondent: Bishop Calisto Odede

President of the Republic of Malawi
Presiding Bishop of CITAM
  • Archbishop Anthony Muheria
  • Bishop Kepha Omae
  • Debarl Inea
  • Rt. Rev. COL (RTD) A. K. Rotich
Thematic Session 4 - The Church as a Mediator
11:00am - 1:00pm

Main Presenter: Archbishop Anthony Muheria
● Discussants: Bishop Kepha Omae, Bishop Alfred Rotich, Archbishop Anthony Muheria
● Moderator: Debarl Inea

Catholic Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Nyeri
Senior Pastor, RGC – Liberty Christian Centre
Communications Consultant
Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kericho
  • Dr. David Oginde
  • Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS
  • Rev. Canon Chris Kinyanjui
  • Rt. Rev. Thegu Mutahi
Thematic Session 5 - The Church as a Custodian
3:00pm - 5:30pm

Main Presenter: Rt. Rev. Thegu Mutahi
● Discussants: Charles Kanjama, Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, Rev. Fr. Joseph Mutie, Rt. Rev Thegu Mutahi
● Moderator: Rev Edward Burii

Closing Session: What next: Action Plan? - Bishop Dr David Oginde

Bishop Emeritus, CITAM
CEO, Kenya Film Classification Board
General Secretary of the NCCK
Expected Summit Outcomes
1. Identify critical lessons from the USA case study and develop practical strategies for navigating political landmines that could derail the Church or the nation.

2. Clearly outline tangible action points that Christians in general and the clergy in particular should take in order to engage politics in a strategic and beneficial manner.

3. Develop objective criteria for identifying transformational leaders for the nation, devoid of any divisive agenda.

4. Establish realistic guidelines for politicians on how to engage with the Church in mutually beneficial ways.
Summit Objectives
1. Examine the critical questions relating to how the church in Kenya engages in politics

2. Review the US scenario and explore key contemporary and historical factors affecting political engagement

3. Examine the Scriptures for a theologically sound and biblically grounded perspective on Church and Politics

4. Identify practical action points for strategic and profitable application to the Kenyan and African context.
Plenary Sessions
The Summit will have three main plenary sessions focused on the following topics:

1. The Rain That Beat Us:
A critical analysis of the sources and causes of the challenges the Church has facedin her engagement with politics, with specific examples from the USA, Africa, and Kenya.

2. The Rock on Which we Stand:
An exploration of the theological and biblical foundations upon which the Church must stand for enduring and effective political engagement.

3. The Responsibility We Carry:
An outline of important practical steps the Church must take in order to engage politics in a constructive and beneficial manner.
The Call
History is replete with examples of men and women who have influenced society and liberated their people from the bondages of contemporary ills. Therefore, if the church is committed to the cause of Christ, we cannot afford to ignore political engagement. If our nation is to experience peaceful conduct of politics, we must come up with practical action points that empower both the clergy and the laity to engage our communities, societies, and nations with a Kingdom agenda, until the kingdoms of this world become the Kingdom of our God and His Christ.
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Event Detail

June 16, 2021 8:30 am
June 18, 2021 5:30 pm

Organizers

HESABIKA TRUST
0768139267

Sponsors

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Role of Church Guide
As Kenya approaches its general election, we have developed this study guide as a worthy companion for all who are desirous of bringing Kingdom impact into the political and governance arena.
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