Ecumenical and Diaconal Work in Africa: Sustainability Lessons from the African Orthodox Church of Kenya.

The African Orthodox Church of Kenya (AOCK), part of the global Orthodox Christian tradition, has actively engaged in ecumenical movements such as the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the All-Africa Council of Churches (AACC) while carrying out vital diaconal work since the colonial era. Despite these efforts, the church faces significant sustainability challenges, including reliance on external donations and limited participation from local congregations in supporting its operations. This study examined the AOCK’s ecumenical and diaconal engagements, evaluating their historical and theological foundations, effectiveness, and barriers to sustainability. Using a qualitative desktop library methodology, the research analysed secondary data sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the church’s activities and challenges. The findings revealed notable contributions through ecumenical dialogue and diaconal outreach; however, these initiatives often lack long-term sustainability due to financial dependency and insufficient local involvement. Structural and cultural barriers, including weak congregational stewardship and inadequate institutional frameworks for resource mobilisation, were identified as key obstacles. To address these issues, the study recommended empowering local congregations, diversifying resource mobilisation strategies, and aligning ecumenical efforts with long-term development goals. Additionally, further research was suggested to explore the dynamics of local congregational engagement, the use of digital tools to enhance outreach, and comparative sustainability strategies in other Orthodox jurisdictions across Africa. This study underscores the need for strategic interventions to ensure the resilience and impact of the AOCK’s mission in addressing social and environmental challenges.