The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Diocese of Nyahururu has pledged to become a pace-setter in breaking social norms that hinder women’s participation in ministry.
Bishop Rt. Rev. Major (Rtd) Samson Gachathi, while commissioning women into the Mothers’ Union (M.U) and the Kenya Anglican Women Ministry (KAWOM), called on women not to allow societal norms to hinder their service to God.
He observed that due to unavoidable situations such as marital separation and single motherhood, some women are relegated to the background in church, despite being gifted and capable of serving.
“Women are risk-takers and should rise up to break every social norm that stands in their way of serving God,” said the Bishop. He noted that despite the many challenges meant to prevent some women from being commissioned, they were ultimately admitted into ministry.
The cleric praised the women’s boldness, resourcefulness, and hard work, noting that they manage to pay school fees for their children and run their homes effectively. “They are valuable, and we cannot afford to lose them in service to God because of social norms that can be broken and overcome,” he added.
Referencing the woman in Mark 14:1–9, who was labeled sinful but still offered her best to Jesus, the Bishop encouraged the newly commissioned women not to give up due to judgment from others. Instead, he urged them to serve God wholeheartedly and faithfully, offering their best.
Speaking at ACK Christ the King Cathedral in Nyahururu, Bishop Gachathi reiterated that the Diocese welcomes all to serve. He encouraged congregants to serve faithfully with the gifts God has given them and urged clergy to allow members space to serve.
During the commissioning, over 3,000 women were admitted into women’s ministry, marking the largest number ever commissioned in a single day in the Diocese.
By Kimani Tirus
