JPRC 2024 Summit
Justice, Peace, Reconciliation and Creation (JPRC) department held a successful 2024 summit on 23rd to 26th July 2024 at Mombasa. The Summit brought together delegates, chaplains and Trained Certified Professional Mediators from every parish and presbytery in PCEA Church. Partners from organizations with governance, peace, justice, health or environmental programs were also present. The Theme Scripture was Matthew 7:18 “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.”
Summit attendees were empowered for courageous fruitful service in areas of mediation, para-legalism, and the place of mediation and para-legalism in the church. Speakers at the summit included Kevin Osido who presented on responsive governance, Cyprian Nyamuamu on state of the nation, Rev. Dr. Linda Ochola on biblical approach to justice systems and Rev. Dr. Edward Buri on the Christian youth in a democratic space.
In his address, Mr. Cyprian Nyamwamu – a governance expert – stated that the current state of the Nation is very worrying and uncertain and could be heading for a disaster if unchecked. He suggested a way forward for the Executive and the Legislature to Lower taxes, eliminate corruption, reduce domestic borrowing, audit debt, and make bipartisan talks be multisectoral.
The summit is an annual activity with the purpose to discuss how different actors can effectively work together to complement each other. It provides an opportunity for participants to share information, experience, expertise and best practices on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, fostering respect for Justice, Peace, Reconciliation and Creation as a bedrock for societal cohesion.
JPRC director Rev. Elias O. Agola observes that the 2024 summit saw an increased attendance of 160 people compared to 130 people in 2023. The director stated that JPRC continues to observe an increased growth. To manage this growth there will be a need to become more visible, relevant and structural from the global model that creates grassroot impact. JPRC is ready to help in education, training and awareness creation and even advocacy where necessary.