Church Of Uganda Blocks US Bishops
THE Church of Uganda (COU) has blocked the Episcopal Church of USA from attending the consecration of its new Archbishop, the Rt. Rev. Henry Orombi, on January 25.
By Richard Komakech
and Silvano Kibuuka
THE Church of Uganda (COU) has blocked the Episcopal Church of USA from attending the consecration of its new Archbishop, the Rt. Rev. Henry Orombi, on January 25.
The COU has instead invited an informal alliance of American dioceses opposed to the first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, who was consecrated last year amid protests.
Orombi is replacing Archbishop Mpalanyi Nkoyooyo. The American Church had planned to send a delegation to Orombi’s enthronement. It had also offered aid to displaced people in the war-ravaged Gulu district.
“We were shocked to receive a letter from you informing us of your decision to send a delegation to the enthronement of our new Archbishop in January, and your intention for the delegation to bring aid and assistance for the people who live in desperate conditions in the camps in Gulu that you have ignored for years,†Provincial secretary the Rev. Canon Stanley Ntagali said in a letter to the Church’s presiding bishop, Frank Griswold.
During his visit to Uganda last year, Griswold pledged to assist the displaced people now living in camps in the war ravaged areas, but the Church of Uganda said the Episcopal Church of USA was trying to win back their support through bribery.
“The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not for sale, even among the poorest of us who have no money. Eternal life, obedience to Jesus Christ, and conforming to His word are more important,†Ntagali said in the letter.
Ends
and Silvano Kibuuka
THE Church of Uganda (COU) has blocked the Episcopal Church of USA from attending the consecration of its new Archbishop, the Rt. Rev. Henry Orombi, on January 25.
The COU has instead invited an informal alliance of American dioceses opposed to the first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, who was consecrated last year amid protests.
Orombi is replacing Archbishop Mpalanyi Nkoyooyo. The American Church had planned to send a delegation to Orombi’s enthronement. It had also offered aid to displaced people in the war-ravaged Gulu district.
“We were shocked to receive a letter from you informing us of your decision to send a delegation to the enthronement of our new Archbishop in January, and your intention for the delegation to bring aid and assistance for the people who live in desperate conditions in the camps in Gulu that you have ignored for years,†Provincial secretary the Rev. Canon Stanley Ntagali said in a letter to the Church’s presiding bishop, Frank Griswold.
During his visit to Uganda last year, Griswold pledged to assist the displaced people now living in camps in the war ravaged areas, but the Church of Uganda said the Episcopal Church of USA was trying to win back their support through bribery.
“The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not for sale, even among the poorest of us who have no money. Eternal life, obedience to Jesus Christ, and conforming to His word are more important,†Ntagali said in the letter.
Ends