Week 2 in Kenya: Growing Together – Emerging Leaders Academy

We’re back with the Emerging Leaders Academy to check in on the second week of the residential.

One of the most memorable moments of the week was a visit to St. Paul’s University, a nearby Christian ecumenical school that was originally founded as a centre for freed slaves. During our time there, we were fortunate to hear from Professor Esther Mombo, a leading Kenyan feminist theologian. Prof Mombo gave an inspiring talk on the role of women in theological education across Africa and the face of Anglicanism in Kenya.

The provinces of the Global South were driving the conversations about the ordination of women,

she said, highlighting that many of the most important pushes for reform have come from contexts long overlooked by the Western church. Figures like Bishop Henry Okullu and Archbishop David Gitari of the Anglican Church of Kenya were major proponents of women’s ordination, framing it as part of a “holistic development” mission for the church and society.

For Prof. Mombo, this future is one that makes space for more inclusive leadership and allows women’s voices to be heard more fully across the global church. After all,

the face of Anglicanism in Kenya is a woman in blue

she concluded, praising the huge impact of the Mother’s Union.

Inspired from a few days of teaching, the group then set off on a weekend trip to the Diocese of Thika. A perfect opportunity to get a taste of local church life. For some of the group, it was hard to believe that in Thika a “very small church” means a few hundred people. With St Monica’s at 800, St Luke’s at 1200, and the Cathedral seating 3000, the scale of worship was a surprise to some, but it was matched by a warmth and welcome that made even large congregations feel personal. “I didn’t want to leave” reflected Jen, an ELA participant from New Zealand.

Joining in with a Sunday service at St Monica’s

A real highlight in Thika was seeing young people so deeply involved in church life. Far from being on the sidelines, children and young people of all ages took an active role in both leading and sharing. Niamh, a participant from the UK, was even interviewed up the front by a 12-year-old!

Mopping the floor at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Thika

In Kenya, challenges remain, but by the end of week two participants had seen that the Church is also alive with generosity, youthful leadership, and a strong sense of community.

Check out the highlights from week 2: