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The Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC), an ecumenical organisation that brings together Christians from the mainstream Churches (Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox) has pulled off another memorable ecumenical Public Way of the Cross.

As usual, the ecumenical Christians started walking (with their crosses on their shoulders) from their respective churches and converged at Old Kampala SS Sports Ground where the prayers were held.

The function was presided over by the ecumenical prelates including Bishop Moses Banja of Namirembe Anglican Diocese, Archbishop Jeronymos Muzeeyi of the Orthodox Church, Archbishop Samuel Stephen Kaziimba of the Anglican Church, Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa (Catholic Church) and Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kampala.

The Ecumenical Prelates taking a group photo with members of the organising commitee (from UJCC) at the close of the function. (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Others in attendance included the Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, Msgr. John Baptist Kauta, Msgr. Gerald Kalumba (from Christ the King Church Kampala), Canon Rebecca Nyegenye (from All Saints Cathedral Kampala), and Canon Henry Ssegawa (Diocesan Secretary, Namirembe Diocese).

Political leaders including the state minister for Kampala, Hon. Joseph Kyofatogabye and Hon Joseph Ssewungu also graced the function.

An ecumenical choir comprising Catholic, Anglican and Roman Catholic choristers led the singing during the service. The Boys and Girls Brigade Brass Ensemble also played hymns and marching music during the function.

Highlights

One of the highlights of the function was the homily that was delivered by the Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa, who urged the Christians to love one another as Christ loved the Church and humanity.

"You cannot claim to love God when you are at loggerheads with your brethren. So, loving God starts with loving your brothers and sisters," Zziwa said.

Zziwa later asked Christians and all Ugandans of goodwill to work for peace, unity and justice.

Bishop Joseph Antony Zziwa of the Catholic Church (left) sharing a moment with the Anglican Archbishop, Samuel Stephen Kaziimba during the prayers of the Ecumenical Public Way of the Cross at Old Kampala SS Sports Ground on Good Friday. Also in the picture is Msgr. John Baptist Kauta (left), Canon Rebecca Nyegenye (second-right) and Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere (right). (Photo by Mathias Mazinga)

Easter message

During the same function, the ecumenical prelates also delivered their joint message for Easter, in which they urged Christians to work for peace, justice and unity.

They called for an end to wars, senseless murders, violence and vices such as corruption and land-grabbing. The prelates also called on Ugandans to take good care of the environment.

The celebration ran under the theme: "You shall love the Lord your God ... and your neighbour as yourself” (Luke 10:27).