COU must not be a political platform
Apr 25, 2010
EDITOR—The new initiative for the Church of Uganda Diocese of Mityana to help their clergy build residential houses for themselves and enjoy home security on retirement is a commendable one.
EDITOR—The new initiative for the Church of Uganda Diocese of Mityana to help their clergy build residential houses for themselves and enjoy home security on retirement is a commendable one.
Although Canon Lubowa is reported to have said that the diocese has found that many clergy on retirement have not built themselves a house, the problem is an old one. It has been and still remains a challenge for the Church of Uganda as a whole.
Along with the need to address the housing problem should also come a review by dioceses and bishops of deployment and clergy transfer policies (or their absence).
If they look seriously into this they might also find themselves inadvertently addressing the question of clergy morale and retention or loss of a sense of vocation and effectiveness. It was good that the local politicians made a visible contribution, as mentioned in the local press.
As a matter of fact, many of our politicians give much financial and other support to the church and the mosque. After all, many of them are also practising Christians or Muslims.
They also consider it their duty and a public good to support the work of the church. Their efforts are therefore commendable. Having said that, the Church in Uganda would be advised not to allow itself or its functions to be turned into a political platform for a particular party or politician.
I say this because of the media reports I read constantly in Bukedde about politicians dominating or taking over or hijacking church functions to campaign for themselves. It would, therefore, be good if at such functions due respect and place could also be afforded to members of other political parties.
I need to qualify my statement in view of the current media debate about the Church’s involvement in politics or the political statements made by some of its high profile clerics.
I am not suggesting that religious leaders should not express political opinions.
Rev Amos Kasibante
United Kingdom
Although Canon Lubowa is reported to have said that the diocese has found that many clergy on retirement have not built themselves a house, the problem is an old one. It has been and still remains a challenge for the Church of Uganda as a whole.
Along with the need to address the housing problem should also come a review by dioceses and bishops of deployment and clergy transfer policies (or their absence).
If they look seriously into this they might also find themselves inadvertently addressing the question of clergy morale and retention or loss of a sense of vocation and effectiveness. It was good that the local politicians made a visible contribution, as mentioned in the local press.
As a matter of fact, many of our politicians give much financial and other support to the church and the mosque. After all, many of them are also practising Christians or Muslims.
They also consider it their duty and a public good to support the work of the church. Their efforts are therefore commendable. Having said that, the Church in Uganda would be advised not to allow itself or its functions to be turned into a political platform for a particular party or politician.
I say this because of the media reports I read constantly in Bukedde about politicians dominating or taking over or hijacking church functions to campaign for themselves. It would, therefore, be good if at such functions due respect and place could also be afforded to members of other political parties.
I need to qualify my statement in view of the current media debate about the Church’s involvement in politics or the political statements made by some of its high profile clerics.
I am not suggesting that religious leaders should not express political opinions.
Rev Amos Kasibante
United Kingdom