International Widows' Day Highlights Anglican Church's Outreach to Widows and Families in Africa
In the spirit of Christian love, compassion, and support for those who have lost their spouses, organisations such as Mothers' Union and The Anglican Church of Kenya are working tirelessly to provide aid and empowerment to widows and widowers worldwide.
Rev. Jacob from The Anglican Church of Kenya seeks a place for widowers to gather and reason together, following the biblical suggestion. He acknowledges the challenges faced by widowers, including loneliness and financial difficulties, particularly when wives earn more than husbands.
Mothers' Union, a charity and global network that supports families for nearly 150 years, is no stranger to this cause. Their annual conference in June, held during Widows Week, emphasizes the importance of widows' lives and the work they do to support them. This year, the conference was held in Tanzania, where 150 people gathered to discuss legal rights for widows, pastoral care, and community safeguarding.
The conference in Tanzania provided a safe space for widowers to share their experiences and receive support. The diocesan programs in the area include economic empowerment for young widows through poultry rearing and emotional support.
In many African societies, widows can lose financial provision, assets, social networks, and even their homes when their husbands die. It is estimated that approximately 258 million widows worldwide face similar challenges, with nearly one in ten living in extreme poverty.
Mothers' Union exists to end poverty, inequality, and injustice. They work in communities to provide hope and practical support through parenting, literacy, and community development programs. However, in some communities, widows face additional challenges such as having their possessions taken by in-laws, lack of knowledge about their legal rights, and lack of practical help from religious leaders.
Rev. Okeno, a member of Mothers' Union, asks for prayers for wisdom, energy, courage, good health, resources, and the realization of their dream for a center for law training in Butere, Kenya. To address this issue, an initiative called Unboxing the Law is being launched to educate ministers and community support stakeholders about basic legal principles.
The work of Mothers' Union and The Anglican Church of Kenya is significant for Christians because it is seen as a spiritual mandate to support widows and orphans, as stated in James 1:27. International Widows' Day, celebrated on June 23rd, highlights God's mercy, faithfulness, and care for widows, reflecting Christian teachings of love, compassion, and support for those who have lost their spouses.
Massawa, a member of Mothers' Union, seeks prayers for a bigger conference next year with attendees from different countries. Rev. Okeno reflects on James 1:27 as inspiration for their work with widows, emphasizing the importance of practical acts of service and moral purity.
As we move forward, it is crucial that we continue to support and uplift widows and widowers, ensuring they are not left behind in society. The work of organisations like Mothers' Union and The Anglican Church of Kenya is a testament to the power of community, faith, and love in overcoming adversity.
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