East African J&P groups call for more co-operation between Church and government
Justice and peace coordinators from East African countries have called on Churches in the region to intensify their efforts to advocate for good governance in the region. In a statement issued at the end of a three-day meeting and workshop, the 20 delegates from the AMECEA countries, recommended the establishment of chaplaincies in parliament with the aim of supporting and promoting Christian values among the members of Parliament. They also called for the institution of a parliamentary liaison desk within the commissions/departments/programs of the Church in order to gather information decision and policy making processes. The delegates called for the creation of a fellowship forum of Christian parliamentarians where church leaders and other Christians would interact and lobby. They also called for the commissioning and supporting of research activities as a basis for substantive advocacy as well as supporting the justice and peace commissions/departments in their efforts to empower Church leaders and Christians in all aspects for their meaningful participation in advocacy. They observed that the move would foster unity among Churches. The gathering was attended by representatives of justice and peace desks of the National Council of Kenya, Christian Council of Tanzania , both Uganda Anglican and Orthodox churches and CAFOD.