How religious leaders can peacefully comment on political issues

Apr 30, 2012

AS the mood picks up for the independence jubilee celebrations, I believe that the role of religion and religious leaders should be redefined, evaluated and harnessed for the good of our country

By Nathan Kaija

IT'S becoming apparent that the role of religious leaders in politics and nation building is becoming a subject of hearty debate in recent years and weeks.

As the mood picks up for the independence jubilee celebrations, I believe that the role of religion and religious leaders should be redefined, evaluated and harnessed for the good of our country.

In the past two general elections, there was a lot of confusion arising out of reports of certain religious leaders openly campaigning for their candidates among their flock.

Just this week, two articles appeared in the New Vision on two consecutive days that captured my attention and provoked me to write this opinion.

The first was published on Wednesday; April 18, 2012 under the heading WE WON’T STOP CRITICISING GOV’T – CLERIC. The following day, another article shouted back CLERGY SHOULD GET OFF POLITICS

Allow me respond to the opinion expressed by Kintu Nyago in his comment published on April 19. I will also give my view on the question of “How can religious leaders peacefully comment on political issues?”

As a religious leader myself, I disagree with Nyago when he flatly states that “In contemporary Uganda, religious leaders require not to engage in politics...” That suggests that they have absolutely no positive role to play in the politics or proper governance of their nation. That’s misleading.

We need to look at this issue not just in the narrow sense of “politics” but in the wider context of development, nation building and uplifting the socio-economic status of the common man. Is it true that religious leaders have no contribution that the make to the socio-economic transformation of communities?

Even though the focus of our calling is spiritual and moral, we as religious leaders have a moral responsibility and authority to speak out on any issues that affect our followers’ quality of life here on earth. That involves guiding them on how to relate with political leadership and their role as citizens of Uganda on one hand and acting as the “voice of conscience” to the nations leaders on the other.

Therefore the big question is, indeed, how? 

My suggestions.

1 – Religious leaders should model within their own lives, families and institutions the values and moral standards they want to see in politicians and society as a whole.

In other words, we should follow Jesus’ words in Math. 7:3: “And why behold you the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye”.

This will give us the moral authority to speak confidently.

2 – Be objective and not provocative.

The aforementioned story of 18th April 2012 was of a Jinja priest who was lamenting the government’s failure to offer quality medical services. He reportedly said in part “We now know that the gov’t can’t manage its own “Lubimbi” (role in developing and governing the nation.) Believe you me; the implications of the words CANT MANAGE are fearful!! More tact was needed there.

We need to acknowledge positive contributions made even as we address failures.

3 – Use proper channels.

When a pastor or priest criticizes the government before his congregation, we are left wondering who is supposed to take the message to “Mr. Gov’t”!

Official, written statements may be presented to the relevant gov’t leader or department by representatives of a religious group or inter-faith group.

A good example is the “Statement on the evils of corruption in Uganda”, a statement released by the Uganda Joint Christian Council and co-signed by the heads of the Anglican, catholic and Orthodox faiths. It was dated March 20, 2009.

Diplomatic and formal methods of advocacy should be sought.

4 – Maintain a neutral but principled stance in partisan politics.

We as religious groups don’t stand for any political leader or party. We stand for Values, morals, and certain minimum standards that are necessary for a stable, peaceful and prosperous nation. Our followers are from diverse political leanings and it’s not prudent to divide them because of our personal political opinions.

Finally, I would call upon the government leaders to understand that religious leaders are their partners in development and embrace their views positively. I would also urge my fellow men and women of God that let us focus on our primary calling of turning men back to their God and be tactful how we do it.

The writer is a pastor with Revival Tabernacle Church, Kabale

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