Resilient Underground Church Provides Sanctuary for L.G.B.T.Q. Community in Nairobi

After nearly a decade of displacement and danger, Nairobi’s only church for L.G.B.T.Q. people finds refuge. Despite hostility, the congregation gathers in a secure location to embrace their faith and identities openly.

In Nairobi, Kenya, a remarkable underground church serves as a haven for L.G.B.T.Q. individuals, navigating adversity in an environment marked by hostility. Over the last decade, this resilient congregation has endured relentless challenges, relocating to 10 different venues after incidents of vandalism, police interventions, and community violence. Founded by Pastor Caroline Omolo, the church predominantly attracts members fleeing countries where their identities could result in life-threatening consequences.

After years of instability, the congregation has settled into a secret location where they now come together every Sunday. Attendees, checked at the entrance for safety, gather in a room that reverberates with their shared experiences. During services, they find solace in messages that affirm their existence and the right to worship openly.

The pastor emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and belonging, vividly addressing the pain of rejection they face, saying, “Family may kick you out, and the church you once attended could not understand that kind of expression, demonizing your life.” His poignant words resonate deeply, eliciting cheers of agreement from the congregation.

Witnessing the fierce yearning for acceptance in their faces, one can see that this church offers more than spiritual guidance; it provides a community where their identities can flourish without fear. Weekly services draw a dedicated following, with attendance swelling anywhere from 50 to 200 worshipers, all seeking companionship in faith while standing firm in their truth. The underground church experience presents a formidable testament to their courage amid circumstances that push them further into the shadows.