Stop labelling us terrorists, clerics say
Sunday April 8 2012
During the Good Friday Ecumenical Public Way of the Cross walk in Kampala, clerics turned the hit on the government and politicians over calling church leaders terrorists.
Clerics have advised government to focus its attention on solving issues affecting citizens and warned against being labelled ‘terrorists’ whenever they criticise the running of the country.
“The gospel we preach is for promoting peace within ourselves and the nation. We are not fighting the government,” Archbishop of Kampala Diocese Cyprian Kizito Lwanga said while addressing masses at the celebration of the Ecumenical Way of the Cross in Kampala on Friday.
Dr Lwanga said in his sermon that when the church comments and clarifies on some topical issues, the concerned leaders should work towards achieving or using such advice.
He said like Christ, their purpose in life is never to associate themselves with political leadership but to advise on what is always the best.
Church of Uganda Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi said the country is burdened by unclarified issues which need to be put right before the nation clocks half-century of independence.
“Our nation is built on a weak foundation of greed, hatred and betrayal. We need to create a new foundation of love and unity for it before it makes 50 years of independence,” he said.
Circumcision not the deal
Meanwhile, the Bishop of West Ankole Diocese, the Rev. Yona Katoneene, has criticised the Ministry of Health over its ‘safe male circumcision’ campaign. He said the practice is encouraging promiscuity.
“Whether you are circumcised or not, you get infected with HIV. We are telling the people we lead that they should not be deceived that getting circumcised will make them safer. As a church, we encourage people to abstain and those who get married remain faithful to their partners,” Bishop Katoneene said.
Preaching on Good Friday, Rev. Katoneene blamed government, especially the Ministry of Education for failing to fund activities that would influence behavioural change in society.
“We are not against circumcision but the way the campaign is packaged is wrong. The picture given in the campaign shows that when you circumcise, you can’t acquire HIV, which is absolutely wrong,” Rev. Katoneene said.