A Disabled Anglican Priest Has A Message For Churches: ‘Always Be A Bridge To Others’
NAIROBI, Kenya — In Kenya and around the world, disabled Christians have long been vital participants in congregations — but their contributions and challenges may have gone unnoticed or unsupported.
Rev. Erickson Mugo knows how it feels.
He’s a man of slight stature and moves with a noticeable stoop that reflects the challenges of his mobility impairment. When he gestures from the pulpit, attendees may notice that his hands are shorter than average and that a few fingers are missing.
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He has a message he wants everyone to hear: disability does not limit calling or service.
Mugo serves as the Diocesan Coordinator for the Anglican Diocese of Mount Kenya South Differently Abled Department, a role that places him in regular contact with congregants and families affected by disability. And as a physically disabled priest, Mugo often speaks publicly about his life and ministry.
Mugo's role places him at the heart of efforts to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Kenyan society. The unemployment rate among persons with disabilities in the country stands at around 80%, according to national statistics, and Mugo's work challenges systemic barriers.
His emphasis on family and community support addresses the emotional and social dimensions of these challenges. By promoting the idea that disability does not diminish one's value or potential, Mugo encourages congregations to view inclusion as integral to Christian practice.
Mugo requested the Ministry of Health to provide COVID-19 vaccines to persons with disabilities, highlighting the vulnerabilities they face during public health crises. His work aligns with broader commitments by the Anglican Church of Kenya to promote disability rights, including inclusion training, the establishment of parish-level disability committees, and the development of a new policy manual.
The Diocese of Mount Kenya South, part of the Anglican Church of Kenya, which comprises 37 dioceses nationwide, has designated the first Sunday of December as Disability Awareness Sunday. This past Dec. 7, Mugo served as the guest preacher at ACK St. James Cathedral in Kiambu during this observance.
The service, led by Assistant Provost Rev. Anne Mwaura and the pastoral team, focused on themes of worship, reflection, and appreciation for every person created in God’s image.
In his sermon titled “The Value of Family,” drawn from Colossians 3:1–25, Mugo addressed contemporary narratives that undermine family structures. He emphasized that while some voices claim family is a scam or useless, God’s design for family remains priceless and unshakeable.
Mugo described family as a shelter in times of storms and a source of support during failures or losses. He highlighted how rejection, particularly within families, creates deep wounds, especially for differently abled individuals. Mugo called on attendees to be intentional in demonstrating love, honor, and compassion within their families.
This event at St. James Cathedral underscores Mugo's ongoing involvement in raising awareness about disability issues. Earlier records show him conducting pastoral visitations to children living with challenges, extending support to families and communities. His ministry unfolds in a country where disability rights are protected under the 2010 Constitution and reinforced by Kenya’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008.
The Anglican Church of Kenya, with nearly six million members, has increasingly prioritized social justice initiatives, including those related to disability. Mugo's coordination role contributes to these efforts, fostering environments where persons with disabilities can participate fully in church activities. Public accounts show him ministering alongside other clergy, such as accompanying fellow clerics during community engagements.
Connections to institutions like the Bishop Kariuki Centre, an Anglican facility on the outskirts of Nairobi, suggest potential bases for such outreach. The center has been noted in stories of community support and intercession, aligning with broader Anglican commitments to inclusivity. Similarly, the ACK Bishop Kariuki Chapel in Wangige serves as a hub where there are no spectators and everybody is somebody, reflecting a philosophy that resonates with Mugo's advocacy.
Mugo’s public appearances extend to online platforms, with sermons available on YouTube, demonstrating his reach in sharing faith-based messages. Events like the Differently Abled Sunday service at St. James Cathedral also feature in video recordings, capturing moments of collective worship and education on disability awareness.
“At all times, we should endeavor not to be barriers to other people’s blessings, but to be enablers,” Mugo said. “I pray earnestly to God that throughout my ministry, I will always be a bridge to others toward blessings.”
In one of his sermons, Mugo shares a personal anecdote that underscores his independence and challenges common assumptions about physical disability. Despite his disability, Mugo openly confesses his passion for driving, describing himself as a highly capable driver. This revelation serves as a powerful illustration in his message, highlighting how persons with disabilities possess skills and interests that defy stereotypes, reinforcing his broader advocacy for recognizing full humanity and potential beyond visible limitations.
The Anglican Church of Kenya's action plans, developed in collaboration with organizations like the World Council of Churches, signals an institutional shift toward greater accessibility. These include practical steps such as training programs and policy updates, which Mugo helps implement at the diocesan level.
Through his preaching and coordination, Mugo fosters a renewed appreciation for persons with disabilities as fully capable participants in faith communities. His messages remind Kenyans that, in the face of societal stigmas, the church can serve as a model for equity and compassion.
As Kenya continues to navigate issues of inequality, figures like Mugo highlight the role of religious leaders in driving change. His ministry has been documented through church events, sermons, and public appeals over several years.
“We have been called upon by the Lord to always proclaim peace and blessings in our homes and society,” he said. “When we encourage one another, rather than having criticisms, when we engage ourselves in church and community activities, we invest ourselves in doing good. May the Lord enable us to invest ourselves in our homes, villages and societies.”
Joseph Maina is a Kenyan journalist. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and media studies from the University of Nairobi. For the past decade, he has served as a correspondent for various print and digital publications in his native Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa.