Letter Sent to several Leading Church Leaders Who Were Opposed to the New Constitution before the Referendum.

I write this with all humility to the Church in Kenya; I have followed closely the campaigns on the proposed constitution…I am aware that the church is indeed opposed to the same on the basis of a few contentious clauses which it has voiced all along. It is however disheartening to note that the church is becoming divided each day on the position it has taken so far – a house divided cannot stand. More so, I am afraid that the church’s credibility on its position seems to be in question; especially for its association with those perceived to have denied the country a new constitution over the years and have been opposed to it for their political and selfish reasons. Consequently, I ask myself, ‘has the church lost its cunningness, fallen into the shrewd ways of our politicians and now are being led to the gibbet as the referendum draws near?’
I pray and wish that the church can come back to its senses and reconsider the position it is holding regarding the proposed constitution…. I wish they change tact now before the referendum date, I wish they accept the presidents invite to support the proposed constitution with a strong view that their concerns will be addressed after the 4th August 2010. I believe this would lead to a change of perception…it may seem risky but it may be the best way to salvage its image! The church lost its credibility during last elections which is well known to a greater extent by most Kenyans…today the same is happening; the credibility of the church is in question!
In Matthew 10:16 Jesus was clear in his mind, he was aware of where he was sending his disciples, that is: As sheep in the midst of wolves – what he simply meant was, ‘I send you, inoffensive and harmless, into a cold, unfriendly, and cruel world. Your innocence will not be a protection.’ However, ‘be wise as serpents…’ Serpents have always been an emblem of wisdom and cunning, Genesis 3:1….

The Egyptians used the serpent in their hieroglyphics as a symbol of wisdom. Probably the thing in which Christ directed his followers to imitate the serpent was in its caution in avoiding danger. No animal equals them in the rapidity and skill which they evince in escaping danger. So said Christ to his disciples, you need caution and wisdom in the midst of a world that will seek your lives. He directs them, also, to be harmless, not to provoke danger, not to do injury, and thus make their fellow-men justly enraged against them. Doves are, and always have been, a striking emblem of innocence. Most people would foolishly destroy a serpent, be it ever so harmless, yet few are so hard-hearted as to kill a dove.

In conclusion, I pray that the church acquires the shrewdness of a Serpent and the innocence of a Dove in dealing with all its concerns regarding the proposed constitution….I pray that the Spirit of Wisdom guide the church leaders so that they outdo the most cunning and skilled politicians in Kenya….as it stands, it seems that the political atmosphere and its shrewdness supersedes that of the church.


By Martin O. Opany (UK)