North Kigezi bishop warns deacons against secular life

RUKUNGIRI - Rukungiri district-based North Kigezi Diocese, Kinyasano Anglican Diocese bishop Onesimus Asiimwe has sternly warned priests against living reckless lives.

Asiimwe, made the call Sunday, December 8, 2024, as he presided over the ordination of 20 deacons. 

During the ordination service, Asiimwe urged the deacons to do the work of God wholeheartedly if they are to make a difference among the faithful.

 "This work is just a calling from God and you need the Holy Spirit to do it very well. Those who think they have got a job to solve all their problems are misplaced and should not continue taking oath," he said.

Bishop Asiimwe warned the priests against earthly things and to avoid joking with the name of Jesus as well as the work of God.

"There is a priest who used to say, if Jesus comes, He will take his upper body part, while the lower parts are still doing other work in his flock. That priest died of  AIDS because that is what he asked God," he said.

The prelate also warned them against mingling with people in bars and discos. 

According to the bishop, unlike in the past when it was hard to get a candidate to undergo a religious course, many Christians now want to join the priesthood.

The Rev. Can. (rtd) Yorakamu Kamomo from Ntungamo district-based South Ankole Diocese led the 20 priests in a week-long retreat at Makobole High School, Kinyasano before they were ordained.

Among those ordained were four women and a 63-year-old man from Katobotobo in Rubazi archdeaconry.

Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano had the highest number of ordinands with four followed by Nyakagyeme Archdeaconry with three. Others are:

• Bwambara archdeaconry (two)
• Kakinga Archdeaconry (two)
• Bugangari (two)