A second congregant at CITAM Karen has allegedly been pushed out of ministry after seeking guidance from the church over her intention to marry a widower.
According to a source from the church, the woman, identified only as Liz, is a middle-aged member who served in both the Media Ministry and Music Ministry.
The source claims Liz had never been married before but had a son who is now in campus. She later found love with a middle-aged Kenyan man based in the United States, described as a widower.
Before marrying his deceased wife, the man had reportedly fathered a child with another woman from a previous relationship that did not work out.
According to the complainant, Liz approached CITAM Karen for guidance on marriage because she and the man were ready to settle down.
Instead of receiving support, the source claims the church rejected the move, arguing that the man had previously been married and therefore the church could not support or officiate the wedding.
The source said:
“Liz recently found love from a fellow middle-aged Kenyan man who is based in the US. He is a widower. She approached the church, CITAM Karen, where she serves in the Media Ministry and the Music Ministry, for guidance on marriage and the steps to take because they were ready to settle.”
The complainant claims Liz was later asked to step down from serving at the church.
The source added:
“Her move was not welcome. The church argues that the man was previously married and therefore they cannot support or officiate her nuptials. She was later asked to step down from serving at the church. She went ahead and married her prince charming.”
This raises serious questions about CITAM’s doctrine on marriage, remarriage and service.
If a widower seeks to marry again, does CITAM consider that wrong? If a woman who has never been married chooses to marry a widower, why should that affect her ability to serve in church?
Even more importantly, are these rules communicated clearly to congregants before they join ministries, or are they only enforced when someone’s private life becomes visible?
The source asked a direct question:
“Cyprian, what kind of doctrine is that?”
CITAM should publicly explain its position because these stories are now creating the impression of a church where members can serve faithfully for years, but one personal life decision can suddenly make them unacceptable.