The Legion Maria of African Church Mission Episcopal Conference has issued warm Christmas greetings to its members and people of goodwill, urging Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of peace, joy and salvation.
In a message released ahead of the festive season, the church’s bishops expressed gratitude for the unity within the church and its steady growth in dioceses across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They described the Incarnation — God becoming human through the Holy Family — as a beacon of hope amid global uncertainties and social challenges.
Emphasis on family values
The bishops highlighted Christmas as a celebration rooted in family life, with the Holy Family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus serving as the model for all households. They reaffirmed the church’s teaching that marriage and family are part of God’s divine plan and the bedrock of society.
Christians are encouraged to nurture strong family bonds, practise love and emulate the virtues of humility, obedience and compassion demonstrated by the Holy Family.
Call for moral renewal
Amid the season’s joy, the message addressed pressing threats to family life, including economic hardship, domestic violence, child neglect and abuse. The bishops stressed the church’s responsibility to safeguard children and support vulnerable families, including single-parent households.
They called on believers to uphold moral standards, including faithfulness in marriage, purity among young people and a commitment to living according to God’s will.
Support for legal protections
The bishops expressed support for laws that protect family structures and children’s rights. In Kenya, they referenced the Constitution, the Marriage Act 2014 and the Children Act 2022, which define marriage as a union between a man and a woman and provide safeguards against exploitation.
They strongly condemned any form of harm, abuse or exploitation of children, urging collaboration between the church, government and society to promote justice.
A shared commitment to peace
The message concluded with a call for collective action to protect family life, foster reconciliation and build communities grounded in love and justice. The bishops prayed that the peace of Christ would fill homes and societies.
They wished all faithful a blessed Christmas and a grace-filled New Year in 2026.
