Lira bishop Lino urges peace, conscience and respect for human dignity

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LIRA - Lira Diocese bishop Sanctus Lino Wanok has urged Christians and the wider public to embrace peace, reject violence and manipulation, and uphold the dignity of every person as the country approaches Christmas amid an important civic season.

In his Christmas Pastoral Message dated December 18, 2025, Lino roots his message in the Nativity scriptures from Matthew 1 and Luke 1, urging believers to draw lessons from the lives of Joseph and Mary, whom he describes as models of righteousness, humility and courageous faith in moments of uncertainty.

“As we celebrate the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, our nation is also preparing for an important civic moment,” the Bishop says, emphasising that faith must translate into responsible action in society.

Peace, responsibility and dignity

Lino reminds the faithful that Christmas is not merely a celebration, but a call to inner renewal and social responsibility.

“Peace begins in the heart,” he says, stressing that power should be exercised as a responsibility rather than a possession, and that every human person bears God-given dignity.

He cautions against violence, lies, manipulation and hatred in all their forms, urging believers to form and protect their conscience during the festive period and beyond.

Homes, parishes as centres of dialogue

In his pastoral guidance for the season, the Bishop appeals for peace to start at the family and community level.

“Let homes, parishes and villages remain places of dialogue and respect,” he says, calling on Christians to resolve differences through understanding rather than confrontation.

He further urges society to respect the poor and the youth, warning against exploiting vulnerability caused by poverty or frustration.

Church to remain non-partisan

Bishop Lino reaffirms the Church’s role as a neutral sanctuary of peace, guidance and reconciliation.

“All Church institutions must remain non-partisan places of prayer, guidance and reconciliation,” he says, underscoring the Church’s mission to unite rather than divide.

Reflecting on the history and mission of Lira Diocese, he recommitted the local Church to healing, solidarity through Caritas, and peace-building within Small Christian Communities.

Quoting Scripture, he recalled the Magnificat: “He has lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52), noting that the birth of Christ offers renewed hope for the nation.

Message of hope

The Bishop concluded by praying that the birth of Christ renew Uganda with truth, humility and hope, and wished the faithful a blessed Christmas and a New Year guided by peace.

The message was signed by Rt Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, Bishop of Lira, under the diocesan motto “Love, Mercy, Work”, as Christians across Lango prepare to mark Christmas 2025.