Hear the echoes of hymns carried by the ocean breeze right here at A.C.K St. Peters Church. This church stands as a testament to faith and community in Mombasa. Its story is interwoven with the broader narrative of the Anglican Church of Kenya.
The Anglican Church’s roots in Kenya trace back to 1844. It began when the Church Missionary Society arrived in Mombasa. Dr Johann Ludwig Krapf was the first missionary. He was later joined by Rev Johann Rebman. These missionaries established several CMS stations along the coast. These stations ultimately led to the formation of the Diocese of Eastern Equatorial Africa in 1884.
That original diocese included Uganda Kenya and Tanganyika. James Hannington served as its first bishop. The mission expanded to central and western Kenya around 1900. Mass conversions occurred during the East Africa Revivals in the early 20th century. Kenya became its own diocese in 1927.
In 1955 Festo Olang’ and Obadiah Kariuki became the first Kenyan bishops. They were consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury in Uganda. The Anglican Province of East Africa was formed in 1960. It included Kenya and Tanzania. The two countries became separate provinces in 1970. That year Festo Olang’ became the first African archbishop of Kenya. The province’s name changed to the Anglican Church of Kenya in 1998.
A.C.K St Peters Church is part of this rich history. It shares in the Anglican Church of Kenya’s vision. That vision is to strengthen the church. It should be built on the apostolic faith in Jesus Christ. This empowers God’s people to meet the challenges of the new millennium.
The church’s mission is clear. It seeks to bring everyone into a living relationship with God. This is achieved through preaching teaching healing and social transformation. The goal is to help people grow in faith and live life to the fullest. A.C.K St. Peters Church actively proclaims the good news of Jesus. It does this through preaching teaching and nurturing effective disciples. The church wants to be a haven where people can connect with God.
Today A.C.K St. Peters Church continues to serve its community. It is part of the Diocese of Mombasa the oldest diocese in Kenya. The church embraces the Anglican tradition. Like other Anglican churches it recognizes the three orders of ministry. These are deacon priest and bishop.
A.C.K St. Peters Church stands as a beacon of faith. It reflects the enduring legacy of the Anglican Church of Kenya. It is a place where the Good News is shared. It is a community that welcomes all.