Kamuli, Uganda: Busoga Diocese Bishop Prof. Dr. Grace Lubaale has challenged 83 newly ordained lay readers to remain faithful to their calling, warning them that Christian ministry comes with spiritual battles and temptations that can derail their commitment to serving God.
Speaking during the ordination ceremony for graduates of Bishop Hannington Theological Training School, Naminage, held at St. Paul Archdeaconry Church, Bukwenge, the bishop issued five pastoral charges, urging the new ministers to serve with humility, integrity and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.
Bishop Lubaale reminded the ordinands that ministry is about service rather than personal gain.
“You have been called to serve, not eat. Don’t despise humble beginnings or placements, for wherever you are, you can germinate. Respect Scriptures, the Bible, authority and the Church, but above all be good stewards,” Bishop Lubaale charged.
He cautioned the newly ordained ministers that they should expect opposition and temptations from what he described as the devil’s forces seeking to draw them away from their calling.
The bishop encouraged them to overcome such challenges by remaining humble, maintaining integrity and serving as role models in their respective communities.
Bishop Lubaale also commended Kamuli Girls Boarding School, Kamuli Boys School, and Twinkle Junior School Mutai for promoting holistic education that nurtures learners academically, spiritually and socially.
He urged schools to continue exposing learners to moral, spiritual and talent development alongside classroom instruction.
The Principal of Bishop Hannington Theological Training School, Ven. Canon Moses Kisule Kasimisi, appealed to the diocese to support the expansion and renovation of the institution to accommodate the growing demand for theological education.
“We request that the Diocese permits a special fundraising drive for the renovation and construction of halls, and we appeal to good Samaritans to support us with furniture towards the Lord’s service because we need more trained clergy to counter the mushrooming churches,” Ven. Canon Kasimisi said.
Representing the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Kamuli District LCV Chairperson Kaloli Dhizaala called for continued collaboration between the Church and the State.
He urged the newly ordained ministers to preach messages that promote wealth creation, integrity and prosperity while encouraging communities to embrace government programmes aimed at fighting poverty.
“As government, we appreciate the efforts of the Churches and cultural institutions and assure you of our commitment to working with religious and cultural institutions as partners for social transformation and the fight against corruption and moral degeneration,” Dhizaala said.
The ordination ceremony was preceded by a procession through Kamuli Municipality, where the newly ordained lay readers marched alongside Church leaders before their pastoral induction and commissioning.
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