Born agains advised to improve social services

Aug 07, 2016

He added that it is now time for the church to position itself to participate actively in social transformation of society.

Born Again churches have been asked to work with government and improve the social services delivery in the country.

The call was made by President Museveni, in a speech read for him by the minister of tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Prof.Emphraim Kamuntu.

Museveni said that the church has been partnering with government in providing social services, and relief to disadvantaged people in society which should be cemented with good working relations.

"But this should be cemented further by pastors forging a constructive relationship with government and other faiths in supporting the social services sector," said Museveni. He offered a total of sh10 million as offertory to the meeting.

He was officiating as the guest of honor at the first 100+ pastors' event organized by Heal the Planet a global organization promoting programs in peace building, conflict resolution among others, at J&M hotel in Bwebajja on Saturday.

It was aimed at bringing together pastors to reconcile and collectively promote the work of God by following standards set by Jesus Christ.

He also called on churches to continue praying for the country to reduce the social evils especially among Youth. "Since God has given you a noble duty to shepherd his people, the church should not sleep but be watchful in this season and time," said Museveni.

He said the beginning of the church in Uganda was characterized with several resistances from government of the time due to ideological differences which has been addressed by government transforming the minds of Ugandans from confusing religions with politics, Museveni noted.

 amuntu and ayiwa look through the books during the retreat Kamuntu and Kayiwa look through the books during the retreat

 

He added that it is now time for the church to position itself to participate actively in social transformation of society.

Demands from Born agains

On the same occasion, the born-again called on the president to support them in establishing schools, health facilities and universities owned by the Born again faithful for the growth of their faith.

Earnest Benjamin Kivumbi from Heal the Planet Global Organization said the Born-again churches are challenged because they lack institutions like health facilities,Universties,schools and yet other religions have all of these institutions.

He added that are a few pastors own media institutions which is not a representation of the entire born again movement, but some have even used them to divide Christians.

"Time has come for us to have our own institutions not because we are denied treatment and services in established centers for other religions but we need a legacy that even when the founders die, there is something to show for born-agains," said Kivumbi.

The kind of support we want is by government supporting us in the construction projects, offering land since the born-again are the majority supporters of the president during times for elections, Kivumbi added.

He was backed by Prof.Simeon Kayiwa of the Kayiwa International University and head of Namirembe Christian Fellowship, who called for tax exemptions on church institutions and products being brought into the country.

He also reechoed the need for support especially in areas of constructing education institutions like his own.

"Through institutions like schools, we are better placed to talk to young people who are getting more wild and can easily be lured by some people into activities such as terrorism, instead of using teargas on them," said Kayiwa.

He said that in America, government gives real money to faith based organizations to run projects that are attractive to the youth.

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