Clerics to preach online, collect tithe through mobile money

COVID-19     RELIGION

KAMPALA - They say out of crisis, comes opportunity. This is the path that religious leaders have opted to explore amidst the Government's temporary ban on church services and prayers in mosques.

Several religious leaders yesterday shared ways in which they will stay in touch with the faithful without physically congregating them.

One such opportunity the clerics agreed on was to preach the gospel using social media platforms, radios and televisions. The other opportunity was to continue collecting offertory and tithe through mobile money channels.

They said they will boost the Government's efforts in minimising public gatherings amidst the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Continue praying, tithing
Reacting to President Yoweri Museveni's temporary ban on church services, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba, encouraged the Church to develop new tools for ministry and outreach, including radio, television and social media.

"I never expected the need for these new tools to come so quickly. But here we are. A great evangelist once said, ‘your setback can be a setup for your comeback'," he said.

Kaziimba pledged to record a daily devotion to be circulated using the Church of Uganda Facebook page and twitter accounts.

The cleric also advised believers not to neglect worshipping God through tithe and offering.

He asked fellow clergy to explain to Christians how to use online banking if available or continue giving weekly tithe and offerings.

"Alternatively, one can use mobile money. It may also be possible to pass by your local church during the week and give your offering privately. If none of those are available, I urge every Christian to set aside their weekly tithe and offering. When we do come back together again and, we shall, we will have a big gathering as a Thanksgiving to God for His great faithfulness," Kaziimba said.