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INTER-RELIGIOUS COUNCIL OF KENYA - IRCK

About Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK)
The IRCK is a coalition of all major faith communities in Kenya, which works to deepen inter-faith dialogue and collaboration among members for a common endeavour to mobilize the unique moral and social resources of religious people and address shared concerns. Between 1983 when IRCK was founded and now, the role of civil society has changed, with increased demand for civil society actors to demonstrate their value as facilitators, conveners and innovators as well as service providers and advocates. The political, economic, environmental, technological and social contexts have also changed over time.

From a non-structured inter-faith body characterized by conference participation and, ad hoc, inter-faith dialogue and action under the World Conference on Religions for Peace Kenya (WCRP-Kenya) in 1983; IRCK has grown into an independent and influential coalition of all major faith communities in Kenya, that works to deepen inter-faith dialogue and collaboration among members for a common endeavour and mobilize the unique moral and social resources of religious people and address shared concerns.

IRCK members or partner Religious Coordinating Bodies (RCBs) include Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK), Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA), Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (SUPKEM), National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF), Shia Ithnasharia Muslim Association and Hindu Council of Kenya (HCK).

Each of these RCBs has national coverage with structures that reach the grassroots level. Additionally, IRCK has formed local interfaith networks to act as platforms for local advocacy and action in 40 out of 47 counties.

IRCK Motto, Vision, Mission and Core Values

Motto: Mobilizing Faith Communities for Common Action

Vision: Faith communities living in peace; united in social-economic action in Kenya

Mission: To promote a just society in Kenya through social-economic transformation

Core values:

Unity and tolerance: In our diversity in religious beliefs, we show a willingness to accept and permit religious beliefs and practices, which disagree with one's own.

Compassion and Charity: We share in the suffering of the poor, have a desire to alleviate or reduce such suffering and show special kindness to those in need.

Stewardship:	 We generally recognize and accept the assignments given to us, as we shepherd and safeguard them through sound resource management.

Integrity and Transparency: We conduct business honestly and ethically, expect and exemplify trust, respect, fairness and high character. We conduct ourselves with openness in all aspects of our work. We seek feedback from all stakeholders in order to achieve open communication and foster collaboration.

IRCK Governance Structure

IRCK has two levels of structures; national and sub-national structures.

The National Structures
 * 1) The steering board
 * 2) The executive committee
 * 3) The standing commissions
 * 4) The secretariat

Sub National Structures of IRCK
 * 1) The Local Interfaith Network
 * 2) The Kenya Women of Faith Network and;
 * 3) The Kenya Interfaith Youth Network

IRCK Thematic Areas In performing our mandate and meeting the needs of Kenya, IRCK will dedicate her energies towards the following interdependent strategic goals:
 * 1) Governance and Peace
 * 1) Health and Social Wellbeing


 * 1) Environment and Climate Change


 * 1) Institutional Strengthening for IRCK