Bishops condemn poll violence, call for peace

{As the festive mood of the day rhymed with the emotions of the congregation at Rubaga Cathedral with Christmas hymns being sung, Kampala Archdiocese Archbishop, Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, asked Ugandans to always pray to God as the only way to strengthen their faith.}

His message was contained in his Christmas sermon he delivered to hundreds of Christians who congregated in Rubaga Cathedral on Friday.

“Many people today no longer pray, yet this is the only way they could be connected to the Lord. As we gather here to celebrate the birth of Jesus our saviour, let’s consider the value of prayer,” Dr Lwanga said, drawing cheers from the congregation.

The Archbishop further challenged Ugandans to desist from telling lies. He said people nowadays are telling lies on radio and in newspapers recklessly.

“Many people have become liars and they don’t remember that God hates it. For instance, politicians after being voted for, they tend to disappear and forget people who voted them into power. This is bad and the Bible doesn’t encourage lies because it’s evil,” he said.

Church of Uganda Archbishop Stanley Ntagali urged politicians to restrain their supporters from violence during the ongoing campaigns so that the country can have peaceful elections.

While delivering his Christmas sermon at All Saints Church Nakasero on Christmas Day, Archbishop Ntagali noted that as the election period draws closer, political tension is rising and causing a lot of anxiety because of growing violence which is becoming a major concern.

He observed that although Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus during Christmas, many do not have Him in their hearts, families, marriages and businesses.

“There is a lot of individualism; we are enemies of fellow men and women. We have forgotten Jesus Christ. Leadership comes from God and I would call upon all those seeking leadership to humble themselves before God,” he said.

At the Namirembe Cathedral, Rev Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira reminded the congregation of their responsibility to vote as Ugandans ahead of the 2016 elections.

“Let there be peace such that people go to vote without threats,” said Bishop Luwalira and told believers to vote candidates who will help the country make laws to fight evil.
Presiding over Christmas service at St Paul’s Cathedral Namirembe, Bishop Luwalira also asked the electorate to stand firm and ask candidates to explain their agenda to improve their livelihoods

Bishop Luwalira cautioned believers to guard against evil such as inappropriate sexual behaviour and corruption, which will ruin their lives.

Terrorism condemned

He condemned acts of terrorism and war in various countries around the world, which have claimed innocent lives and urged the faithful to emulate God to care and love their country.

“In Uganda, we have got acts of land grabbing, people killing each other, burning others’ property, accidents, and so many other challenges. But as Christians, we have to live by example and care for our country,” Bishop Luwalira preached.
In eastern Uganda, Bishop of Bukedi Diocese, Rev Samuel George Bogere Egeza, also appealed for peace.

Source:Daily Monitor:[Bishops condemn poll violence, call for peace->http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Bishops-condemn-poll-violence-call-for-peace/-/688334/3010704/-/jbmt77/-/index.html]