The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, Stephen Kaziimba Magalu has advised christians to make use of their homes saying they are the ideal place for Sunday worship to take place. He says some cells may need to sub-divide so that they are not more than 10 people.
“Following the decision that was made by the president, this will have a big impact on how we live and worship as christians for the next few weeks, and I want to provide some additional guidance to what our president has shared.” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
He says that while it will be very difficult for the christians not to gather together, the Church of Uganda stands with the decision because it will help save lives.
Kaziimba says that christians and as the Church, they value life and support all efforts to promote life. Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
“In my charge I encouraged the Church to develop new tools for ministry and outreach, including radio, television, and social media. I never expected the need for these new tools to come so quickly but, here we are.” Kaziimba encourages.
Archbishop Kazimba quoted the Bible where it says when two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, there he is among them.” (Matthew 18.18) people have asked me,
“If we can’t meet for worship in Church on Sundays and mid-week, how will we have Church?” says Kaziimba.
He says some cells may need to sub-divide so they are not more than 10 people but, Sunday worship can take place in home cells, observing, of course, the appropriate behaviors of not shaking hands or hugging and keeping at least one meter of distance between you and others.
“I am calling on all husbands and fathers to step up and take responsibility for leading your families in daily home prayers and in Sunday worship. The Family is the smallest Church, and every home needs its “Family Altar.” He called.
He says that some Churches have developed the capacity for online streaming of worship services, and calls on them to expand that capacity for also broadcasting services without the presence of a congregation.
“Please also share with your diocese and the provincial office the times and online address for these broadcasts, so others can benefit.” Archbishop asked.
He asked all bishops to develop “Radio Church,” and asking all radio stations to collaborate with the church under these extraordinary circumstances and provide airtime on Sunday mornings to broadcast local language worship services into every home.
Archbishop also encouraged all bishops to link with local TV stations for ways to broadcast a local language Sunday service through television.
He as well emphasized how this situation reminds them of their great need for a Church TV station, as I identified in my Charge, and I hope we will now understand the urgency for it.
“I will be recording a daily devotion to be circulated on social media and I encourage you to access the devotion through the Church of Uganda’s Facebook page and Twitter accounts, please use it with your family and home cells” he promised.
