Easter: Ecumenical bishops call for justice, unity

 Leaders of the Uganda Joint Christian Council (an ecumenical organisation that brings together the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox Church) have called on the government to ensure that all children get quality education. 

They requested the government to provide the schools with enough qualified teachers and to increase the funding it allocates to primary schools. They further urged the government to create a proper study environment for the pupils.

The Executive Secretary of UJCC, the Orthodox Archimandrite Constantine Mbonabingi delivers remarks during the celebration of the Ecumenical Public Way of the Cross on Good Friday.

The Prelates expressed concern over the rampant destruction of the environment, especially by people who litter plastic bags and plastic bottles, and those who put up buildings in swampy areas and water bodies.

They called on the authorities at the National Environment Authority (NEMA) and the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to fulfil the respective purposes for which they were established.

Archbishop Kaziimba Mugalu delivers his message.

The Prelates also decried the socioeconomic and political irregularities to which they attributed the increasing gap between the rich and poor. 

They vehemently condemned the culture of land grabbing, land wrangles and unlawful eviction of people that has always resulted in social disharmony and death. 

They asked the government to use the existing laws to protect the citizens who have always fallen victim to the vice.

Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere delivers his message.

The Prelates also condemned vices such as corruption and tribal hatred. They further condemned the promotion and funding of homosexuality and asked the perpetrators to stop it. 

They urged parents, teachers, and school foundation bodies to fight the vice and ensure the children don’t learn it. They finally called upon all Ugandans to work for peace, justice and unity.

The Orthodox Archbishop, Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi (right) reads a section of the Easter message.

The joint Easter message of Easter from UJCC was delivered by organization’s three Co-chairs, Bishop Dr. Joseph Antony Zziwa (Roman Catholic Church), Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba-Mugalu (Catholic Church) and Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi (Uganda Orthodox Church) during the celebration of the Ecumenical Public Way of the Cross at Old Kampala SSS on Good Friday.

The Deputy Executive Secretary of UJCC, Fr. Daniel Musiitwa delivers his acknowledgements during the celebration of the Ecumenical Public Way of the Cross on Good Friday.

The theme of the message is: Do Good, Seek Justice, Prepare for Judgment (Isaiah 1:17, Hebrews 9:27).