The Church of Uganda has issued a profound response following the resignation of The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby as the Archbishop of Canterbury.
In a statement released by Archbishop Dr Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, the Church of Uganda expressed deep concern over the circumstances surrounding Welby’s departure, particularly highlighting the Church of England’s mishandling of child abuse allegations that have rocked the Anglican Communion.
Archbishop Kaziimba reflected on the strained relationship between the Church of Uganda and the leadership of Archbishop Welby. He noted that the Church of Uganda, alongside other members of the Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon) and the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans, had already ceased recognizing the authority of Archbishop Welby several years ago. This decision was driven by Welby’s perceived failure to uphold the historic and Biblical teachings of the Church of England on key issues, especially marriage and family.
“Our discontent stemmed from a leadership that compromised on core scriptural truths,” Kaziimba remarked. “The continued disregard for Biblical teachings on marriage, compounded by an inability to take decisive action against child abuse, has torn the very fabric of the Anglican Communion at its deepest level.”
The statement highlighted the devastating impact of unchecked abuses within the church, specifically referring to the long-term sexual abuse committed by John Smyth, a prominent figure in the Church of England. Archbishop Kaziimba lamented the failure of the church’s leadership to act decisively against such abuse, which left many victims without justice for years. He called this a profound betrayal of the church’s moral duty to protect the vulnerable and uphold Biblical principles.
In light of these events, Archbishop Kaziimba commended the efforts of the Gafcon Movement and the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans, which have been advocating for a return to scriptural authority as the guiding principle of the Anglican faith. He urged Anglican churches worldwide to consider these covenantal relationships as a way to heal divisions and reunite under the shared mission of spreading the Gospel.
“The best way forward for Anglicans is to rally under the authority of Scripture,” he stated. “It is imperative that we recommit ourselves to the Great Commission, reaching out to a world that desperately needs the unchanging truth of Christ.”
Amidst the broader discussions on church leadership and governance, Archbishop Kaziimba also focused on the ongoing commitment of the Church of Uganda to child protection. Noting that November is dedicated to child-focused initiatives within the Church of Uganda, he called upon congregations to double their efforts in creating safe environments for children.
“In November, our focus is on the safety and well-being of children,” Kaziimba declared. “We must go the extra mile to ensure that our children are protected, nurtured, and allowed to grow in a secure environment. As Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these’ (Matthew 19:14).”
The Archbishop emphasized the importance of educating families and church leaders on creating conducive environments for children to thrive. He called for increased vigilance and action to prevent any form of abuse, urging church members to be proactive in safeguarding children’s rights and well-being.
“We pray for Archbishop Welby, that he may find peace and renewal in this season of transition,” Kaziimba said. “More importantly, we pray for those who have suffered in silence for too long. May God’s healing touch be upon them, and may the church rise to the challenge of defending the vulnerable and restoring the authority of Scripture in all its teachings.”
The resignation of Archbishop Welby marks a pivotal moment in the Anglican Communion, opening up discussions about the future leadership and direction of the church. The Church of Uganda’s response reflects a strong call for a return to Biblical foundations and a commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of the church community.
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