Rationale Behind Roman Catholic Church’s Toleration of Miraa Production and Consumption in Igembe Deanery, Meru Diocese, Kenya.

Abstract

Drugs are a global phenomenon that has spread to all corners of the globe. The; Roman Catholic Church has been a leading voice in opposing the use of pharmaceuticals outside of medical necessity in every society it has encountered. Roman Catholic Church has taken a hard-line approach against any form of drugs legalization, including recreational drugs. On the contrary Igembe Deanery, Meru Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, a contentious drug that many consider a drug, Khat (Miraa) production is tolerated. This; study is on the rationale behind Roman Catholic Church’s toleration in Khat production and consumption, which is extensively grown in Igembe Deanery, Meru Diocese. Due; to Roman Catholic Church rules that prohibit the use of all narcotics except for therapeutic purposes and the variety of contradicting incidents seen by Khat farmers and merchants who are also members of the churches in the study area, this study was inspired. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data; was obtained from questionnaires, oral interviews, focus group discussion, participant observation and primary and secondary sources to ensure the validity and reliability of the study. The; discussion starts with the various reasons for the Roman Catholic Church’s toleration of Miraa. Structural-functionalism was used to establish the rationale behind the Roman Catholic Church’s toleration in Miraa production and consumption of the study area. The findings of the study were that the economic, social, cultural, religious, and educational benefits of Miraa in Igembe Deanery are all the reasons for the Roman Catholic Church’s in Igembe Deanery to tolerate Miraa farming, trade and consumption in the study area. This study has contributed to the church, particularly the African church, and to academicians studying religion and culture in higher education.