Papal envoy Blume warns against commercializing church

KAMPALA - The pope's ambassador to Uganda, Archbishop Michael August Blume, has warned Christians against portraying the church as a business entity.

He referred to a recent article in a local daily about religion being commodified as a market place.

Blume also decried self-entitlement by some church leaders, who demand to be glorified with big titles. Such actions, he said, are unchristian.

He made these remarks during celebrations to launch the Kampala Archdiocese golden jubilee, attended by many Christians from the 65 parishes that make up the archdiocese.

This was at Rubaga Cathedral in Kampala.

Priests in procession. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

Some of the nuns pictured during Mass. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

Blume stressed God's strong criticism of powerful cultural influences, terming it "ideological imperialism" that pressures societies to accept practices like abortion and contraception as human rights that are necessary for economic development.

On his part, Archbishop Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga encouraged Christians to remain strong in faith and adhere to church teachings.

"These days, lies are everywhere - in families and press. Let us avoid such behavior and be trustful whenever we are."

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga and his wife were part of the congregation. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)

Head of laity, Anthony Mategga, commended the clergy for steering the Archdiocese since its founding and advised Christians to adhere to church teachings, and not be swayed by false prophets.

"Something can be identical to another but that doesn't mean that it is the same. A duck and swan can be in same category but that doesn't mean that they are the same," he said.

Mategga tasked Christians to emulate the Uganda Martyrs who passed through challenges but they never gave up until their death.

The colourful celebrations were marked under the theme 'Remember, Rejoice and Renew.'

Prominent personalities in attendance were Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, Archbishop of Kampala, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, retired Bishop of Hoima Edward Albert Baharagate, and Vicar General of Kampala Msgr Charles Kasibante, chancellor of Kampala, Fr Dr Joseph Mary Ssebunnya, Pastoral coordinator, Fr Dr Mark Richard Ssajjabbi, Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga.

Others included second vicar, Msgr Lawrence Ssemusu, Managing Director of CIPLA, Emmanuel Katongole, Wakiso district chairman, Matia Lwanga Bwanika, former DP leader, Paul Ssemwogerere among others.

Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga and Archbishop Michael August Blume wave to christians after Mass. (Credit: Juliet Lukwago)