Clerics urge parents to take lead in sex education issues
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has opposed plans to introduce comprehensive sex education in schools and the Abortion Bill, currently before the Senate.
The bishops said parents were better placed than any one else to nurture and teach children on matters of life.
They said parents had the God-given privilege and obligation to bring forth life and nurture every life they get, especially in matters of virtues, values and character building, including age appropriate human sexuality education.
Reduce exploitation
Nyahururu bishop Joseph Mbatia, who is also the chairperson of KCCB Commission for Health, said parents need to train and impart virtues in their children that they will grow up with and will not depart from even when they are old.
Mbatia was speaking on behalf of the Catholic bishops during yesterday’s mass celebrations at the Holy Family Minor Basilica in Nairobi.
“We appeal to all parents, guardians and other caregivers to prioritise their children’s wellness and safety even as they go about their daily activities in search of income for livelihoods,” said Bishop Mbatia.
He said the bishops were opposed to abortion since children are a heritage from God and that the fruit of the womb was a reward from heaven.
The prelate observed that during this time of Covid-19 pandemic, many children were exposed to numerous risks such as domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, defilement and lack of basic necessities of life.
He said the situation required that all Kenyans take responsibility in safeguarding the children’s welfare and wellbeing at all times.
The bishops reiterated their belief that strong family values and personal responsibility on nurturing and safeguarding children could go a long way towards eradicating and reducing child sexual exploitation and teenage pregnancies that scatter life goals of the innocent children.
Bishop Mbatia also urged Kenyans to comply with the Ministry of Health Covid-19 containment measures, noting that the adherence was the only way individuals could protect themselves and their loved ones.
“We thank the government, frontline workers and security personnel for all the efforts towards combating the pandemic,” he added.
The bishops also congratulated the nation for the big win at the United Nations Security Council.
At the same time, the clergy encouraged faithful to embrace and join the Caritas Micro Finance Bank which celebrated its fifth anniversary as it spreads to the various Catholic dioceses in the country. -KNA
