In the heart of Nairobi, where traditional beliefs clash with modern realities, an unprecedented religious movement has taken root. A fugitive congregation, forced to relocate 10 times in its 10 years of existence, isn’t merely surviving—it’s transforming the landscape of African spirituality. As Kenya’s only LGBTQ-inclusive church, operating from undisclosed locations for safety reasons, this community exemplifies how religious practices can evolve to embrace both traditional heritage and contemporary identity.
The church’s innovative approach to worship challenges conventional religious norms while honoring African traditions. Services feature a vibrant fusion of gospel music and traditional African songs, accompanied by keyboards and drums. Perhaps most striking is the congregation’s “queer communion,” where local mandazi bread is served on rainbow-colored cloths, symbolizing the intersection of local culture with progressive inclusivity.
For refugees fleeing persecution in neighboring countries, this underground sanctuary offers more than spiritual guidance– it provides a lifeline. “When I attended for the first time, it was the Easter service, and I felt like I could be myself,” says Atwine Kyeyune, a transgender woman who escaped deadly violence in Uganda. Today, she proudly wears mascara and beaded necklaces during services, embodying the church’s embrace of both faith and authentic self-expression.
The congregation’s interpretation of scripture represents a radical departure from traditional religious discourse. Their pastor reframes biblical passages through an inclusive lens, challenging conventional gender roles and identity within religious contexts. For instance, they highlight Mark 14:13-15, where Jesus’s reference to “a man carrying a jar of water”—traditionally women’s work in Africa—opens new dialogues about gender expectations in religious settings.
Despite increasing pressure under President William Ruto’s administration and opposition from conservative groups like the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum, the church continues to flourish. Weekly services draw between 50 to 200 worshippers, indicating a growing demand for spiritual spaces that embrace both faith and LGBTQ identity. Pastor Caroline Omolo recalls the church’s evolution since 2013, from informal gatherings of alienated young Kenyans to its current role as a vital spiritual refuge for both local worshippers and persecuted refugees.
After the group met Bishop Joseph W. Tolton of the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, a California-based organization of mostly African American Christian leaders that encourages inclusive worship, the unofficial meetings took on a more structured arrangement. In 2010, Bishop Tolton made his first trip to Uganda to protest anti-gay laws. He said in a recent video interview, “I connected with the L.G.B.T.Q. struggle in the African context in ways I had never imagined.” After that, he traveled to Kenya and Rwanda to carry out his work, organizing church services and collaborating with activists and clergy. He urged Pastor Omolo and other individuals to form a church.
The church’s persistence amid Africa’s growing anti-LGBTQ sentiment is particularly significant. While Kenya maintains relatively more progressive attitudes than its neighbors, the congregation’s need for secrecy emphasizes ongoing challenges. Every Sunday, church members carefully screen visitors before allowing them to enter their temporary sanctuary—a precaution demonstrating both the risks they face and their unwavering commitment to inclusive worship.
As African nations wrestle with questions of identity, sexuality, and faith, this hidden congregation in Nairobi offers a powerful example of religious evolution. In their secret location, they’re not just preserving faith– they’re reimagining it for a new generation of Africans seeking to reconcile their spiritual heritage with their authentic selves. Their journey suggests that the future of African spirituality may lie not in rigid tradition, but in the courage to embrace change while honoring cultural roots.
Written by Cameron To
