In Kenya, Cardinal John Njue of Nairobi, chairman of the Kenyan bishops' conference, and Rev. Peter Karanja , general secretary of the National Council of Churches say they will mobilize Christians to vote against Kenya's new draft constitution in the June referendum on it. Catholic News Service yesterday reported that the religious leaders object to the fact that the constitution would legalize abortion and would keep in place Islamic courts. However other religious leaders-- an Anglican archbishop and a priest known for his human rights work -- support the new constitution.
UPDATE: The Standard reported Thursday that church leaders are softening their opposition to the proposed constitution after a meeting with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odiga.
Church leaders and the President agreed to set up a committee to dialogue on controversial issues surrounding the proposed new constitution.
