A Ugandan Pope’s wish
Apr 18, 2005
WITH the election of a new Pope there will be changes in the Catholic Church and indeed the whole world. If you were the Pope, what changes would you bring to the Church?
WITH the election of a new Pope there will be changes in the Catholic Church and indeed the whole world. If you were the Pope, what changes would you bring to the Church? Stephen Ssenkaaba asks some Ugandans
Why change?, asks Margaret Nantongo Ziwa, Woman MP for Kampala The important thing for me would be to consolidate the achievements of the late Pope John Paul II. The position of the Catholic Church on issues such as world peace, human rights and pro-life concerns needs to be consolidated and further pursued. We need to respect this position because it is guided by the Holy Spirit.
Siriako Wathum, an evangelist from Nebbi Diocese: The Catholic Church is inspired by the communion of Jesus Christ; we therefore cannot reduce it to cheap politics and unnecessary changes.
Ken Lukyamuzi, MP Lubaga South: We need to change some notions. I’m against the Church’s stand on the use of condoms. Catholic morals and discipline can still be checked without discouraging condoms. We are living in a difficult environment where advocacy against condom use cannot protect Catholics, especially the youth. If I had the power of the pope, I would change the Church’s stand on condoms.
Kato Lubwama, actor: To absolutely discourage condom use in the Catholic Church is to prepare for the gradual diminishing of Catholics. We need to change our outlook towards the condom, for this is the only way we can survive. I’d also advocate for direct involvement of the church in politics. I’d fund Catholics intending to run for political offices the world over. We have been marginalised for long. Imelda, Christ the King parish in Kampala: Issues of the Catholic Church cannot be subjected to debate. We cannot discuss anything without divine inspiration and consent from the hierarchy; the parish priests, bishops and Rome. What if I said something that will bring me into problems with the church leaders?
Augustine Kandole, magistrate, Mpigi: We cannot keep away from discussing such pertinent issues. Even though our church is conservative, issues such as marriage of priests and ordination of women to priesthood ought to be brought to the fore. These are issues that have been controversial even during the late Pope’s reign.
Anne Kasasa, student, Makerere University. I’d put in place an annual mandatory review of all religious leaders to check their morals. I’d enact a law to excommunicate all those leaders found guilty of sexual offences.
Thadeo Tibasiima, Nsenyi parish, Kasese : Remember, priests are human beings with desires just like anyone else. The only way to stop immorality and restore credibility in the church is to let priests marry. I would strongly push for this position.
Male John, teacher in Kampala: I would suggest the introduction of five-year contracts to priesthood, under which priests serve under strict supervision. These contracts should be renewed depending on one’s performance. There is no better way to ensure efficiency in our church.
Ruth Najjuma, Christ the King Parish: Many Catholics know little about the bible. They follow scripture as it is interpreted by priests. If I were to change, I would introduce compulsory reading of the bible in church by Catholics during mass.
Why change?, asks Margaret Nantongo Ziwa, Woman MP for Kampala The important thing for me would be to consolidate the achievements of the late Pope John Paul II. The position of the Catholic Church on issues such as world peace, human rights and pro-life concerns needs to be consolidated and further pursued. We need to respect this position because it is guided by the Holy Spirit.
Siriako Wathum, an evangelist from Nebbi Diocese: The Catholic Church is inspired by the communion of Jesus Christ; we therefore cannot reduce it to cheap politics and unnecessary changes.
Ken Lukyamuzi, MP Lubaga South: We need to change some notions. I’m against the Church’s stand on the use of condoms. Catholic morals and discipline can still be checked without discouraging condoms. We are living in a difficult environment where advocacy against condom use cannot protect Catholics, especially the youth. If I had the power of the pope, I would change the Church’s stand on condoms.
Kato Lubwama, actor: To absolutely discourage condom use in the Catholic Church is to prepare for the gradual diminishing of Catholics. We need to change our outlook towards the condom, for this is the only way we can survive. I’d also advocate for direct involvement of the church in politics. I’d fund Catholics intending to run for political offices the world over. We have been marginalised for long. Imelda, Christ the King parish in Kampala: Issues of the Catholic Church cannot be subjected to debate. We cannot discuss anything without divine inspiration and consent from the hierarchy; the parish priests, bishops and Rome. What if I said something that will bring me into problems with the church leaders?
Augustine Kandole, magistrate, Mpigi: We cannot keep away from discussing such pertinent issues. Even though our church is conservative, issues such as marriage of priests and ordination of women to priesthood ought to be brought to the fore. These are issues that have been controversial even during the late Pope’s reign.
Anne Kasasa, student, Makerere University. I’d put in place an annual mandatory review of all religious leaders to check their morals. I’d enact a law to excommunicate all those leaders found guilty of sexual offences.
Thadeo Tibasiima, Nsenyi parish, Kasese : Remember, priests are human beings with desires just like anyone else. The only way to stop immorality and restore credibility in the church is to let priests marry. I would strongly push for this position.
Male John, teacher in Kampala: I would suggest the introduction of five-year contracts to priesthood, under which priests serve under strict supervision. These contracts should be renewed depending on one’s performance. There is no better way to ensure efficiency in our church.
Ruth Najjuma, Christ the King Parish: Many Catholics know little about the bible. They follow scripture as it is interpreted by priests. If I were to change, I would introduce compulsory reading of the bible in church by Catholics during mass.