The development of the Anglican church in Nyanza province 1905 to 1970

Abstract

This is a critical survey of the development of the Anglican Church in Nyanza Province, Western Kenya. It investigates the period between 1905, when the CMS Missionaries arrived in Western Kenya, and 1970 when the diocese of Maseno South was created. The work was prompted by the fact that although the Anglican Church was one of the earliest missionary churches in the area, there was a gap in its history and lack of detailed information. Since the Anglican Church has had considerable influence in the area, it became important to have a look at its origins and growth. By doing this we hope to make a contribution towards a better understanding of Church and society. Two important facts are underlined in the study. First, that the missionary imposition of the Christian faith and western culture on the African converts led to religiopolitical upheavals in the Church. Second, that the missionary attitude towards the African customs and African church personnel led to rebellion and schisms. Several conclusions have been arrived at. First, that the schisms and rebellions that took place in the Anglican Church were the result of the impact of Christianity on the Luo way of life, prompted by conflict between African and European cultural values. Second, the Luo traditional life was undermined, and the individual's identification with the Luo community was replaced by identification with the Christian community. Third, that the Luo family system was disrupted and the young people, in particular, became uprooted and alienated from their traditional roots, as their education was removed from the hands of the community and parents to that of the school teachers.