News
Bishop Banja confirms over 100 children, urges families to nurture faith
Bishop Banja used the occasion to call on parents and guardians to actively support the young believers in their spiritual journey.
e Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Moses Banja confirming children St Peter's Kisasi Church of Uganda in Kazo Archdeaconry. (Photo by Nelson Kiva)
By: Nelson Kiva, Journalist @New Vision
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The Bishop of Namirembe Diocese, Moses Banja, has confirmed 105 children into the Anglican faith during a colourful service held at St Peter's Kisasi Church of Uganda in Kazo Archdeaconry.
The confirmation service attracted hundreds of Christians, parents, guardians and church leaders who gathered to witness the children publicly affirm their commitment to the Christian faith.
Bishop Banja used the occasion to call on parents and guardians to actively support the young believers in their spiritual journey.
Addressing the congregation, Banja emphasised the important role of families and church members in nurturing the faith of the confirmed children.
“We invite you to be part of the development programmes of the church and to stand with these children in their journey of faith so that we can build a strong church of tomorrow,” Banja said.
In his sermon, drawn from 1 John 3, the bishop preached about God's sacrificial love for humanity, stressing that Christians should emulate that love in their daily lives.
“That sacrificial love of God is demonstrated through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ, because of his love for you and me,” Banja preached.
He added: “God is love and whoever is in love is in God. When you love his ministry, you remain in him.”
Banja noted that the love of God should not only be expressed through worship and service but also through responsible stewardship of the environment and proper planning of urban communities.
“We invite you to be part of the development programmes of the church and to stand with these children in their journey of faith so that we can build a strong church of tomorrow,” Banja said.
In his sermon, drawn from 1 John 3, the bishop preached about God's sacrificial love for humanity, stressing that Christians should emulate that love in their daily lives.
“That sacrificial love of God is demonstrated through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ, because of his love for you and me,” Banja preached.
He added: “God is love and whoever is in love is in God. When you love his ministry, you remain in him.”
Banja noted that the love of God should not only be expressed through worship and service but also through responsible stewardship of the environment and proper planning of urban communities.
According to the bishop, many of the social challenges facing the country today, including acts of violence and murder, stem from a lack of genuine love and respect for one another.
“The upheavals we are experiencing today are largely because people have moved away from God's love. When people embrace God's love, they value life and live in harmony with others,” he said.
The bishop further challenged parents to demonstrate love by providing for the needs of their children both at home and in school. He particularly emphasised the importance of ensuring that children receive proper nutrition and care.
“Love your children by catering for them because even God loves children,” Banja said.
He cautioned parents against shifting their responsibilities to the government, particularly regarding the welfare and education of their children.
“The government is only a helper. The primary responsibility of caring for children lies with parents and guardians,” he stressed.
Bishop Banja also used the service to invite Christians who had not yet committed their lives to Christ to embrace salvation and deepen their relationship with God.
Beyond spiritual matters, the bishop encouraged churches to establish income-generating projects to reduce dependency on donations and strengthen their capacity to support ministry and community development programmes.
“Churches should embrace income-generating activities so that they can effectively support their mission without resorting to begging,” he said.
During his pastoral visit, Bishop Banja presided over the commissioning and opening of several development projects at the church, including a nursery and primary school, a business centre, a health centre and demonstration gardens. The projects are intended to improve education, healthcare and economic opportunities within the community.
Speaking during the event, David Mpagi, the sub-deacon of Kazo Archdeaconry, welcomed the bishop and thanked him for his continued pastoral leadership and commitment to strengthening the church.
“We are grateful to Bishop Banja for his ministry and guidance. His visit has encouraged both the clergy and Christians to remain committed to the work of God and the development of our communities,” Mpagi said.
Canon Samuel Wairagara, head of planning and development, said the bishop commissioned St Peter's Kisasi Nursery and Primary School, Kisasi Health Centre III, St Peter's Kisasi Commercial Centre and St Peter's Church of Uganda Gardens.
"He also commissioned a recreational and events venue that will host functions such as weddings, birthday celebrations, introductions, and other gatherings," Wairagara said.
“The upheavals we are experiencing today are largely because people have moved away from God's love. When people embrace God's love, they value life and live in harmony with others,” he said.
The bishop further challenged parents to demonstrate love by providing for the needs of their children both at home and in school. He particularly emphasised the importance of ensuring that children receive proper nutrition and care.
“Love your children by catering for them because even God loves children,” Banja said.
He cautioned parents against shifting their responsibilities to the government, particularly regarding the welfare and education of their children.
“The government is only a helper. The primary responsibility of caring for children lies with parents and guardians,” he stressed.
Bishop Banja also used the service to invite Christians who had not yet committed their lives to Christ to embrace salvation and deepen their relationship with God.
Beyond spiritual matters, the bishop encouraged churches to establish income-generating projects to reduce dependency on donations and strengthen their capacity to support ministry and community development programmes.
“Churches should embrace income-generating activities so that they can effectively support their mission without resorting to begging,” he said.
During his pastoral visit, Bishop Banja presided over the commissioning and opening of several development projects at the church, including a nursery and primary school, a business centre, a health centre and demonstration gardens. The projects are intended to improve education, healthcare and economic opportunities within the community.
Speaking during the event, David Mpagi, the sub-deacon of Kazo Archdeaconry, welcomed the bishop and thanked him for his continued pastoral leadership and commitment to strengthening the church.
“We are grateful to Bishop Banja for his ministry and guidance. His visit has encouraged both the clergy and Christians to remain committed to the work of God and the development of our communities,” Mpagi said.
Canon Samuel Wairagara, head of planning and development, said the bishop commissioned St Peter's Kisasi Nursery and Primary School, Kisasi Health Centre III, St Peter's Kisasi Commercial Centre and St Peter's Church of Uganda Gardens.
"He also commissioned a recreational and events venue that will host functions such as weddings, birthday celebrations, introductions, and other gatherings," Wairagara said.