Diocese of Maralal Bishop Hieronymus Joya/ COURTESY
The Catholic Diocese of Maralal has announced sweeping clergy accountability measures, including the suspension of seven priests.
The diocese's Bishop Hieronymus Joya has also introduced stricter governance rules aimed at strengthening discipline, financial accountability and pastoral leadership within the diocese.
Bishop Joya said the decisions followed an assessment of the diocese and the receipt of what he described as credible information regarding clergy conduct and the administration of church property.
Reflecting on nearly four years since he assumed leadership of the diocese in October 2022, Bishop Joya said he inherited significant financial, administrative and pastoral challenges that required extensive reforms.
The bishop said the diocese had since undertaken financial audits across parishes and institutions, restructured its operations, established new systems and governance structures and settled outstanding debts while also mobilising funding for development projects.
On clergy discipline, Bishop Joya said he only takes action after receiving sufficient and credible information.
"I never suspect or hold any priest accountable for any wrongdoing without credible information. Since I now have some information and identified such priests, I announce here two things," he said.
The bishop announced the suspension of seven priests pending the resolution of issues relating to what he described as abuse of ecclesiastical authority, negligence in administration and the management of church property.
Alongside the suspensions, Bishop Joya unveiled a comprehensive set of new accountability measures that will apply across the Diocese of Maralal.
Under the new directives, priests are required to be in their presbyteries before 7 pm for evening prayers and may not spend the night away from their residences without the bishop's permission.
The directives also prohibit lay people from staying overnight in priests' residences or convents without prior authorisation.
The bishop further directed that priests should not consume alcohol in bars or present themselves for liturgical celebrations while intoxicated or suffering the effects of alcohol.
The new regulations also bar priests from engaging in private business outside church activities, acquiring property whose source cannot be satisfactorily explained, or entering into relationships that violate the obligations of priestly life.
Additional reforms focus on strengthening financial management within parishes and institutions through the proper functioning of finance councils, preparation of annual budgets, regular audits, prudent use of diocesan vehicles and compliance with both church and civil law.
Bishop Joya also announced several new priestly appointments to support pastoral work across the diocese, including assignments to parishes, pastoral centres and the diocesan media apostolate.
He urged the faithful to pray for the suspended priests as they undergo what he described as a period of reflection.
"Pray for these priests of ours at this moment they are starting life of deep reflection on the value of their vocation and the importance of working for the common good of the Church," he said.
The bishop concluded by asking Catholics to continue praying for him as he works to address the challenges facing the Diocese of Maralal and strengthen its pastoral mission.
