I want a vibrant, united church - Ntagali

By Pascal Kwesiga

Church of Uganda Archbishop-elect Stanley Ntagali has said that he will preach to all Ugandans including politicians. Pascal Kwesiga interviewed him.

Qn. His Grace Henry Luke Orombi, the man you are replacing, once said that he found the job more challenging that he had anticipated. Do you think things are going to be smooth for you?

Answer. I have not been there yet so I can’t predict what I am going to find in my way. I don’t want to speculate. What I know is that that I am finding a vibrant, more united and motivated church. My task as a new archbishop is to get the church more united and encourage Christians to be more hard working for the betterment of the church.

Qn. You are taking over at the time when government is telling religious leaders to keep away from politics, but some insist they cannot stop commenting on politics because the government and the church serve the same people. What is your take on this?

Answer. My role is going to be to preach the gospel to all people including politicians so they can have good morals. The church has a big role to change peoples’ morals and turn politicians into morally upright citizens. But my first assignment certainly is going to be to promote evangelization and put God first. Politicians should know that they get the leadership responsibility from God. I don’t believe in attacking leaders and I will advocate for dialogue. Confrontation and attacks are not my way, dialogue is the best.

Qn. The church has still failed to resolve the issue of ordination of female Bishops, what is your view on this?
Answer. For us in 1980’s we started ordaining women as deacons and priests in the church and they have done a wonderful work in their ministry. I will still encourage many to continue to serve the church. The issue of ordaining female Bishops is still a matter of the West and it’s not yet here. I don’t want to talk about it now because I will be opening debate, we shall cross that bridge when we get there.

Qn. Your predecessor has been speaking strongly against homosexuality. What is your view on the same sex marriages?
Answer. As members of the House of Bishops we resolved to continue preaching biblical principals and obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ. So I will maintain the faith and tradition of the Church of Uganda and follow the footsteps of my predecessor.

Qn. Many Christian youths are breaking away from the mainstream church to start their own churches. How do you plan to stop this trend?
Answer. We have started to allow the young people to take a central role in the church ministry so that they feel part and parcel of it. We want to change their lives and get them more focused.

Qn. You are also coming in at the time when religious institutions are united and speaking with one voice through the Inter religious council of Uganda. How do you plan to strengthen this kind of unity?
Answer. I will as a leader of the church of Uganda continue the programs that seek to promote unity and ecumenical movement so that we further our faith.

Qn. The church has a very weak Father’s Union movement compared to the Mothers’ Union. Any plans to promote the fathers union movement in the Church?
Answer. Has it ever been stronger? I don’t know but I would like to encourage men to play a prominent role in the church ministry. I want to encourage them to come forward but you know they are not generally vibrant in such issues.

Qn. His Grace Luke Orombi started the Church House project. What are your immediate plans for the church?  
Answer. I will work hard to complete all the outstanding projects of the church. I will start from where he is going to stop and initiate new projects.

Qn. Conflicts keep cropping up in the Church over issues such as tribal affiliations. How do you plan to tackle conflicts when they arise?

Answer. We don’t have conflicts at the moment. They have been minimized and Christians have become more united. My role is to make sure this unity continues in our dioceses and throughout the province.

Qn. Some of the land of the church founded institutions like schools has been grabbed and others sold off and the performance of these institutions is poor. What do you plan to do about it?

Answer. The land of the church founded schools being grabbed? I need to study that. And the performance of the schools is a serious issue but we shall work with government to address it because these schools are run by government.

Qn. What legacy would you like to live behind after serving your term?
Answer. A more vibrant, self-sustaining, strong and united province.

Qn. What is your message to the Christians who have been eagerly waiting for the news of the new archbishop of the church?    
Answer. I thank Christians, friends and well-wishers who have been fasting and praying for a smooth electoral process. I call them upon to put God first and lead a prayerful life. We live in a changing world but God’s love for us does not change. I ask them to continue praying for peace to keep prevailing in our country.