Don’t deny your spouses sex during Lent—Soroti Bishop Oliach

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Christians across the world on February 18, 2026, started Lent with a call from Soroti Catholic Diocese Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach, urging married couples against using the season as a reason for denying their spouses conjugal rights.

Delivering his homily during the Ash Wednesday Mass at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Soroti, Bishop Eciru cautioned Christians against misinterpreting biblical teachings, saying fasting should strengthen relationships rather than create tension in families.

“Holy fasting makes us holy people and produces holy fruits. It is reflected in our behaviour. You should not go back home and refuse to talk to your spouse simply because you are fasting,” he said.

The bishop emphasised that decisions concerning conjugal relations in marriage should be mutual, noting that unilateral choices in the name of fasting undermine the spirit of Christian teaching.

“For married couples, do not go home and declare you are fasting without sharing with your loved one. Such fasting is not holy but misguided,” he added.

Reject selfishness, corruption and greed

He further urged believers to use the Lenten season to cultivate compassion, generosity and integrity, while rejecting selfishness, corruption and greed.

“Let us avoid the spirit of selfishness, corruption and avarice. Instead, be merciful, charitable and ready to share with the less privileged,” he said.

Repent and abandon sin

Meanwhile, at St Peter’s Cathedral Soroti, Anglican Vicar Boniface Esomu called on Christians to embrace sincere repentance and abandon sinful ways.

“Sin harms both individuals and communities. When leaders sin, the whole nation suffers. The joy of salvation comes when we genuinely repent,” Esomu said, encouraging believers to renew their faith through prayer, forgiveness and acts of kindness.

Several worshippers who spoke to this publication described Lent as a period of reflection and spiritual renewal.

Sarah Imagoro said the season reminds her of God’s mercy and strengthens her commitment to her faith.

“Being here today reaffirms my commitment to Jesus Christ,” she said.

Michael Aperu, a businessman in Soroti City, noted that Lent brings his family closer to God.

“The ash on my forehead is a reminder of the peace and joy we receive through Christ,” he said.