At the core of the controversy is the question of the person and ministry of the Holy Spirit, with concerns rising about what "baptism by the Holy Spirit" really means.  As has now become customary in the Kenyan online community, the comments section of the Nation story provided more mirth than moral clarity. In the final analysis, though, it would seem the Catholic Church is now faced with an age-old question - how are believers to understand and celebrate authority alongside liberty? What is there to be done with the notions of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the context of Church structures and leadership?

Fewer Catholic friends have attempted to help me understand this better than Tom Otanga, a refined thinker on matters religious at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

"I don't doubt the legitimacy of the Charismatics in the Roman Catholic Church. Moreover I have a lot of respect reverence for those who are called to recognize in a special way God's gifts of the Spirit working in them and in the world," says Otanga.

He continues: "However, as we know with all human processes and organizations, the Charismatic renewal movement is open to abuse. Christians who are often not well-informed, dissatisfied or frustrated with certain elements of their faith tend to surround themselves with an air of extremism for their support. This extremism sometimes moves towards fanaticism and fundamentalism if not curbed in a timely fashion."

He then cautions: "Any Charismatic that considers him/herself genuine, ought to realize also that one of the true marks of a genuine disciple of Jesus is obedience. Obedience to the Cardinal at this point is crucial. They will gradually come to appreciate the gifts of the Spirit that they claim to remain faithful to."

Making the home run, Otanga then avers: "I differ with the Cardinal's style of leadership in many matters. But in this particular judgment to suspend the public activities of the charismatics, my inner gut tells me that perhaps he may save a situation that might go out of control in a matter of time. And following the logic in my first point, I'm obliged to respect his decision and I keep my eyes open to see how this story unfolds."

Widely known and respected for structure and order, it will interest observers how, if at all, the Cardinal reinforces the Church's image on the subject against an increasingly expressive and "Pentecostal" tide from within and without.

Observers will recall the moment when, made uncomfortable by charismatics at All Saints Cathedral, former Attorney General Charles Njonjo not so delicately averred that those interested should take a walk to the Church higher up on the hill (Nairobi Pentecostal Church) to preserve the peace.

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