Speaker Kadaga and a delegation going to the shrine. Photo: New Vision
Like many Ugandans, Christians in the Church of Uganda prayed for Hon. Rebecca Kadaga in her re-election campaign for MP and also for her election as Speaker of Parliament. We rejoiced when the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ opened both doors for her to serve the people of Uganda again. Like many, we were, therefore, confused by the reports of her visiting her ancestral shrine to give thanks for her re-election.
We value our ancestors because we are connected to them by the relationship we have. But, we must always trust only in God. We no longer need to go through the spirits of the dead because Jesus is our hope and protector. He alone is the way, the truth and the life, as Jesus says in John 14:6.
The Church of Uganda condemns syncretism and urges her Bishops and clergy to use this opportunity to proclaim the sufficiency of Christ crucified to meet all our needs, and to work pastorally with Christians to apply this glorious truth practically in their lives.
As we approach the commemoration of the Ugandan Martyrs on 3rd June, we are challenged by the faithfulness, commitment, and witness of these youth. Their willingness to renounce the “world, the flesh, and the devil” and to joyfully embrace the crucified and risen Lord Jesus Christ, even unto death, is a model for how we should all understand living a life with a single-minded focus on Jesus as the only Saviour and only Lord. There is a cost to discipleship and a great reward in following Christ.
We appeal to all Christians in the Church of Uganda, especially those serving in prominent positions in government and business, to uphold Paul’s exhortation to ‘live a life worthy of the calling you have received’ (Ephesians 4:1), to live ‘above reproach’ (1 Timothy 3:2), and to not cause others to ‘stumble’ (1 Corinthians 10:32).
Alison L. Barfoot (Rev. Canon Dr.)
Office of Communications
Church of Uganda
P.O. Box 14123
Kampala
UGANDA
Phone: +256 782 321 027
E-mail: COUNews@gmail.com
www.churchofuganda.org