The role of the church during flood disasters: A case of Kenyan Christian women

Abstract

This study explores how the flood experiences of selected Kenyan Christian women demonstrate the church’s role and the extent to which the Accra Confession could facilitate this flood-related discussion. The findings suggest that churches in Kenya provide possible “theological explanations” for the causes of floods, offer spaces for prayer, and provide relief aid primarily to their congregants, though rarely. Also, denominationalism often inhibits pastoral care, impacting women’s survival during floods. As such, revisiting the Accra Confession provides a vital framework for the church, as a healing vessel, to reflect on its mandate to stand in solidarity with the vulnerable and to implement meaningful social transformation. Arguably, the Accra Confession challenges the church to the need for all Christians to follow Jesus’ public (holistic) mission, acknowledge the interconnectedness of Creation, help all regardless of denomination, and actively adopt a stance on environmental issues, thus emphasising God’s justice and care for creation.