Don't teach children "hard gospel," new Baptist Church leader tells pastors

RELIGION 

KAMPALA - The newly elected President of the Baptist Union of Uganda, Pastor Abel Ssegirinya has asked Christian preachers to stop teaching children hard Christian messages and practices, which can affect their intellectual and psychological stability.

He advocated proper Bible teaching methods, which can help children to know Jesus without being strained or scared.

"Brethren, we must be mindful of the emotional welfare of our children as we teach them Christianity. I have seen some pastors teaching young children in nursery and primary school to exorcise demons! This is not proper. Why don't you employ enjoyable methods such as music, drama, and games?

The new President of Baptist Union of Uganda, Abel Ssegirinya (second left), his wife Harriet Ssegirinya (left), Pastor Ekudu Adoku and his wife Joyce (right) cutting a cake during the installation ceremony

"It is equally wrong to force children of tender age to practise hard fasting owing to the negative effect this can have on their physical and mental health. We need to employ proper, relevant and interesting Bible teaching methods, which can help our children to know Jesus and his salvation."

Ssegirinya also lambasted some preachers, who he said were using the scriptures to manipulate their followers, and also extort money from them.

He was delivering his inaugural speech at the Kampala Baptist Church, Nakulabye, on Saturday, August 10.

The new President of the Baptist Union of Uganda, Abel Ssegirinya (left) receiving a gift of his portrait from the Union's Secretary-General, Pastor Peter Mugabi. The gift was given to him by the Bible Society of Uganda, which was represented at the function by Geneviva Kiraka (centre).

 
Ssegirinya was elected President of the Baptist Union of Uganda during the Church's Annual General Meeting, which convened in Entebbe on May 11, 2019. Prior to his election, he was the Pastor of Kinoni Baptist Church, in Masaka.

Also elected were the union's Vice-President, Pastor Wafula Hillary Wangira (from Lumino Baptist Chuch) and the treasurer, Pastor Echau Echonyiu David (from Soroti Baptist Church).

The new President of Baptist Union of Uganda, Abel Ssegirinya (second left) receiving the instruments of his office from the out-going President, Pastor John Ekudu Adoku

 
The three leaders were installed by the out-going President, Pastor John Ekudu Adoku, who has been in the position since 2011.

In his later remarks, Pastor Ssegirinya promised to work harmoniously with the partner organisations and the members of the Baptist Church to take the Church to greater heights. He also promised to exercise financial prudence and transparency.

"I admit that I don't know many things. I also admit that many people know better than me. I also know that sometimes I am weak. But I know that God is able. So, with the help of God, and in solidarity with you and our partners, I promise that I will enhance the holistic development of our Church.

The new President of Baptist Union of Uganda, Abel Ssegirinya (left) receiving the Church's certificate from the out-going President, Pastor John Ekudu Adoku