Reverend Father Edwin Gathang'i Waiguru, an ordained Kenyan Catholic priest, has made headlines by taking the extraordinary step of getting married, despite the Catholic tradition of celibacy for priests. This decision has led him to join a splinter group known as the Catholic Charismatic Church, which allows priests to marry.
On a Sunday in Kiambu County, just north of Nairobi, Bishop Patrick Mulau of the Kirinyaga Charismatic Church officiated the wedding ceremony between Father Waiguru and his bride, Margaret Wanjira Githui. The couple stood together, expressing their belief that it is possible to serve God and have a family, including a loving wife.
Father Waiguru emphasized that he believes God did not make a mistake when creating both men and women, stating that it is not good for someone to be alone. This sentiment resonated with the couple, leading them to choose a path that embraces the possibility of both serving God and experiencing the joys of family life.
The wedding ceremony drew the attention of many, with hundreds of the couple's family and friends in attendance. The event was seen as unusual due to the Catholic Church's longstanding tradition of requiring priests to remain celibate. However, Father Waiguru's decision to pursue marriage challenges this tradition and highlights the diversity of religious practices within Christianity.
While this wedding ceremony is atypical within the Catholic faith, it sheds light on the evolving perspectives on celibacy and the role of priests. It sparks discussions about the intersection of personal desires, religious beliefs, and the ways in which different branches of Christianity interpret and adapt traditions.
The event also raises questions about the Catholic Church's stance on celibacy and whether there may be room for reevaluation or reform. The decision of Father Waiguru and his wife to publicly embrace their union challenges the traditional understanding of priesthood and invites further conversations on the topic.
In conclusion, the wedding of Reverend Father Edwin Gathang'i Waiguru and Margaret Wanjira Githui has garnered attention for its departure from the Catholic tradition of celibacy for priests. Their belief in the compatibility of serving God and having a family has led them to join the Catholic Charismatic Church and celebrate their union in a public ceremony. This event invites reflection on the evolving perspectives within Christianity regarding celibacy and the role of priests, and it sparks conversations about the potential for reevaluation of established traditions.