Bishop Gakumba, Rev. Onen reconcile

PIC: Bishop Jackson Gakumba. (File photo)

FAITH | RECONCILIATION

GULU - The Bishop of Northern Uganda diocese, Bishop Johnson Gakumba, has forgiven the Rev. Fr Charles Onen of Holly Rosary parish, for alleging that the former burnt rosaries.

Gakumba made the call on Monday at a press briefing held at the head office of Acholi Religious Leaders' Peace Initiative in Omoro district.

On February 11, Onen, in his homily at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Parish in Gulu municipality claimed that Gakumba led a crusade in Kaunda grounds that burnt rosaries.

Father Onen attacked organisers of the Crusade for burning several articles of worship for the Catholic Church, including rosaries. He attacked the Crusade for preaching against the Catholic doctrines and beliefs.

The sermon went viral on social media and led to misunderstandings between the Catholic and Anglican churches in Gulu.

The sermon was transmitted live on Radio Maria, a catholic church FM radio Station based at Holy Rosary Catholic Church Parish in Gulu municipality

The allegation forced members of security team in Gulu to hold an emergency meeting where one of the journalists, Willy Chowoo, was summoned for posting the sermon on Facebook.

Most Rev. Dr. Archbishop John Baptist Odama, the Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese said the two parties have reconciled and pledged to restore the good relationship between them.

"The reconciliation took place on March 09, 2018 between Church of Uganda and Catholic Church, where Bishop Gakumba and I were. Reverend father Onen also asked for forgiveness from us," Odama said.

Odama, who doubled as the chairperson of religious leaders in Acholi sub-region under their umbrella, Acholi Religious Leaders' Peace Initiative, said the incidence have been amicably resolved through dialogue.

"We thank God for the reconciliation done by the two parties in the spirit of love and maintaining the long-term unity, peace and harmony that have cultivated among us," he said.

Odama urged believers to stay calm and emulate the reconciliation. He invited believers to turn up in big numbers for the joint public way of the cross.

"I urge all media houses to join us in promoting the spirit of dialogue and reconciliation through professional journalism in order to serve the humanity well. We appeal to people of God to continue to pray for the spirit of forgiveness, love and reconciliation among us all," Odama said.

However, the Rev. Fr Onen said he has forgiven and reconciled because there is no reason to tear Jesus apart.

"Those who burned rosaries did not get any benefit; we have a trillion rosaries in a globe. It is just a drop in an ocean," he said.