CIRDE Machakos Coordinator
Rev. Fr. Alphonse Mutua
E-Mail: interfaithecumenism250@gmail.com
“COME NOW, AND LET US REASON TOGETHER” SAYS THE LORD
(ISAIAH 1:18 )
In the past 15 years , the Catholic Diocese of Machakos, through its various departments, has been deeply involved in supplementing government development initiatives in Machakos and Makueni counties without any form of discrimination. The implemented ecumenical and interfaith projects include water projects, income generating projects, hospitals/health center, schools’ homes for physically challenged, orphans and vulnerable children, environmental care and protection activities, justice and peace projects just to mention a few. The Diocese has also been championing in lobbying and advocating especially on issues related to sanctity and healthy of human life, youth employment, human rights, environmental care and protection and good governance and development.
In 2013, the Diocese expressed a need to develop a 10-year strategic plan in order to enhance efficiency effectiveness in the God given mandate of evangelization. The participatory process that targeted the clergy, religious and laity (CMA,CWA ,YOUTH) begun towards the end of that year and was successfully guided by the Rt. Rev Martin Kivuva Musonde, by then the Bishop of the the diocese, now the Archbishop of Mombasa.
One of the strategic issues highlighted in the strategic planning processes was mistrust and interreligious suspicion, a state that creates fear among religious and stigmatizes others hence preventing religion from playing its rightful role in the society. Aa a way of addressing the expressed issue and enhancing unity of purpose, the Catholic Diocese of Machakos through its Ecumenism and Interreligious dialogue office (now CIRDE Machakos) will play a lead role in bringing unity among various religious groups in Machakos and Makueni counties. As a separate entity since 2017, the commission has developed a vision, mission and programmes.
VISION
A progressive tolerance and respect of other Religions for sustainable integral development
MISSION
To promote dialogue, religious tolerance and networking among different faiths in the diocese so as to address social economic and regional thematic issues
GOALS
- To promote religious tolerance and collaboration between different faiths and religions
- To promote communication, dialogue and net-working among different faiths
- To enhance Christ unity by inspiring and connecting leaders and institutions.
- To enhance care and protection of our common home – The Earth.
PROGRAMMES
- Promoting Prayers for Christian unity
- Economic justice and livelihoods
- Regional cohesion and development
- Care of the Environment