Father Edwin Waiguru, a former Roman Catholic priest, has shared his personal journey of leaving the priesthood and joining the Catholic Charismatic Church, where he also embraced marriage and fatherhood.
In a heartfelt interview, Waiguru explained that his departure from the Roman Catholic Church was driven by internal conflict. During a mission in Haiti, he often introduced himself as a Roman Catholic priest, yet he felt disconnected from the title, recognizing that he no longer aligned with the traditional Roman identity.
A Crisis of Identity
Waiguru’s struggle deepened during his time preaching across North and South America. He began to question his role as a priest and his cultural identity. “It really bothered me that I would introduce myself as a Roman priest, yet I am an African man,” he said. His curiosity about his heritage and culture grew stronger, leading him to explore his roots and question his place within the Church.
After much reflection, Waiguru made the difficult decision to leave the priesthood. “While on a mission in the USA, I quit the priesthood,” he explained, acknowledging the need for change in his life.
Embracing Marriage and Family Life
As the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, Waiguru found love and met Margaret Wanjira Githui, the woman who would eventually become his wife. Despite his concerns about returning to Kenya after leaving the Roman Catholic Church, he was welcomed with understanding, as the pandemic had created a sense of social distance. This gave him the space he needed to plan his future with his soon-to-be wife.
Waiguru and Margaret married in a traditional Kenyan ceremony and have since been blessed with three children.
Ordination and New Path as a Charismatic Priest
In a unique twist, Waiguru was ordained as a priest in the Catholic Charismatic Church on the same day he solemnized his marriage. “I am very happy, and God has blessed us with three children. I continue to serve God as a priest,” he said.
Waiguru clarified that while he is still deeply Catholic, his views on marriage differ from traditional Catholic teachings. He explained that in the Eastern Rite of the Catholic Church, as well as in the Orthodox Church, married men can become priests, a practice he now follows.
His journey serves as a testament to personal growth, faith, and the pursuit of a path that aligns with his beliefs and values, balancing family life with his calling as a priest.
