The Rev. Catherine Ngina Musau has made history by becoming the first female presiding bishop of the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church. Musau, a 55-year-old mother of two, was elected during the church’s general assembly held on November 28, 2023, in Malindi. She is set to be installed in June 2024, marking a significant milestone for women in the church.
“This was by the grace of God because it came at the time God needed me to serve his church in this capacity,” Musau shared with Religion News Service. She will lead a congregation of approximately 50,000 members, primarily located in eastern and southern Kenya, where the church has a robust presence among the Masai ethnic community.
Background and Significance of the Election
Musau’s journey to the bishopric began in her hometown in Machakos County, Kenya, where she was born in 1971 as the fourth child in a Christian family of ten. She was ordained as the first female pastor in the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church in 2003, paving the way for women in a field traditionally dominated by men. “Women priests who ascend to be leaders in the church and to the office of bishops face significant challenges, but their presence in these offices is a sign of progress,” she noted.
She holds a master’s degree in Christian-Muslim relations from St. Paul’s University in Limuru and has served as the head of the Kilifi Deanery for the past two years. Musau’s early experiences in a Catholic mission school significantly influenced her path. “My principal was the priest in charge of the mission and several teachers, being nuns, modeled and mentored me to join the ministry of serving God,” she recalled.
The Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church has its origins in the early 20th century through the efforts of German and Swedish missionaries. The church, which became an independent denomination in 1989, operates in 25 of Kenya’s 47 counties and is known for its humanitarian efforts, including response initiatives for flood relief, hunger, and poverty.
Future Vision and Challenges
As the newly elected bishop, Musau aims to focus on mission, evangelism, and discipleship, alongside leadership integrity and compassion-driven service. She emphasized the need for financial stewardship and transparency to achieve self-sustainability for the church. “The church risks losing trust and confidence among people due to issues like power abuse and financial mismanagement,” she stated.
Musau also intends to advocate for expanding women’s leadership within the church. She pointed out that Scripture is often interpreted in ways that reinforce the subordination of women. “There is a need to reflect on the Biblical narratives, which highlight the role of women in leadership,” she asserted, mentioning figures like Deacon Phoebe and Deborah as examples.
To further this cause, Musau believes that mentoring younger women in leadership is crucial for challenging cultural norms that impede their progress. She encouraged male leaders to use their platforms to affirm the contributions of women and share their experiences. “It is vital for the church to support and uplift women leaders,” she concluded.
Musau’s election not only marks a personal achievement but also signifies a progressive shift for women in leadership roles within the Kenyan church, illustrating the ongoing journey toward equality in faith-based communities.
