Celebrating 118 Years since the Good News landed in Acoli at Musalaba-Keyo

 On 26th November the Diocese of Northern Uganda celebrated 118 years since the Church Missionary Society arrived on Keyo hill now known as MUSALABA. Bishop Godfrey Loum was the main celebrant and he confirmed 228 Christians from different parishes and schools. Two couples were wedded and the Bishop prayed for many children who are now back home for third term holiday. Many also confessed Christ as their Lord and Saviour.

The Bishop appealed to Christians to preach the Gospel and live exemplary life just like those who brought the gospel did. 

In a related development, the Diocesan Secretary Rev. Kenneth Oyet P Oola announced transfers and appointments to take effect from 1st January 2023 as follows:

Diocese of Northern Uganda Clergy Transfers and Placements as on 26th Nov 2022 from Musalaba Keyo.

1. Rev Can. Wilson Akuta

(Archdeacon Anaka Archdeaconry/Parish priest Anaka)

2. Rev Can. Richard Odyek

(Archdeacon Omoro Archdeaconry/ Parish priest Bobi)

3. Rev Komakech Komagum Charles (Archdeacon Ajulu)

4. Rev Nyeko Robert Luku (Parish priest Koro)

5. Rev Onen Charles (Parish priest Oberabic)

6. Rev Nekoline Lakalker Faith
(Curate Anaka Parish)

7. Rev Komagum Geoffrey
(Parish priest Nyapeya)

8. Rev Pamela Lukwiya Obur
(Chaplain UMI/ Assistant chaplain Gulu University)

9. Rev Ewicho Richard (Parish Priest Abura)

10. Rev Anywar Michael (Archdeacon Aswa/ Parish Priest Awach)

11. Rev Ocen James (Parish priest Lalogi)

12. Rev Acaa Hilder Gladys (Curate Bobi)

13. Rev Cissy Joan Akello
(Chaplain/ Curate Nwoya parish)

14. Rev Charles Okello (Parish Priest Pakwello)

15. Rev Kibwota Samuel (Chaplain Gullu Core PTC)

16. Rev Okwerojok Charles  
(Parish priest LelaObaro)

17. Rev Okello David  (Curate LelaObaro based in Palenga)

18. Rev Sammy Omaya (Curate Pakwelo based in Pageya)

19. Rev Oryem Richard (Parish priest Agung)

20. Ord. Odiya Dickson --- (Curate St. Philip's Cathedral in charge of St. Catherine Lacor)

21. Rev James Olara (Archdeacon Keyo/ parish priest keyo)

22. Rev Welsy Acan (Curate  Bungatira parish)

23. Rev Olango Sunday (Parish Priest Olwal)

24. Rev Oyet Peter  (Parish Priest Ajulu)

25. Rev Ocaka Matthew (Chaplain Gulu School of Nursing Koro)

Matthew 28:18‭-‬20  
Jesus drew near and said to them, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

Go, then, to all peoples everywhere
                        and
make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”

Bristol West Deanary visit Diocese of Northern Uganda

 A team from Bristol West Deanery recently visited the Diocese of Northern Uganda. Bishop Godfrey Loum welcomed them to the Diocese and thanked God for their support in provision of Scholarship for ordination and education of some children from primary to University. The team shared their experiences being hosted by the Christian families in the Diocese as being of great benefit and opportunities for intercultural understanding. The Team also visited Keyo Musalaba-the first mission station established in Northern Uganda in 1904. It's here that the Gospel was first preached to the Acholi people. The Diocese of Northern Uganda is linked to Bristol West Deanery since 1980s. Among the first Missionaries who came to Acholi land were Rev. Tucher who later became bishop, Dr and Mrs Albert Cook, who opened the first Church missionary Hospital in Mengo, Kampala. Most of the interpreters were from Buganda and Bunyoro.

Archbishop Janani Luwum Vocational Training Insitute end of year party.

 The staff of Archbishop Janani Luwum Vocational Training Institute had a get together party at the campus and was well attended. The staff eat together, danced and exchanged gifts. Rev. Canon Willy Akena asked the staff to respect their leaders be like servants as in Ephesians 6:5 ff  To the leaders he appealed to them to handle the staff with human heart.

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6:6	Not with eye service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
6:7	With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
6:8	Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
6:9	And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Christmas 2021

 Bishop Godfrey Loum celebrated his first Christmas as a Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda at St.Philips Cathedral Gulu. He appealed to Christians to love one another just like God loved us and sent his Son Jesus Christ. To those confirmed he urged them to be active Christians in preaching the word of God.

Bishop Loum asked Christians to understand that Christmas is not just eating, or putting on new dresses but celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Godfrey Loum consecrated and enthroned as the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda

 

Thousands of people flocked to St. Philip's Cathedral in Gulu on 21^st November 2021 for the consecration and enthronement of the Rt. Rev. Godfrey Loum as the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.

 

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba presided over the colourful service with many Bishops in attendance as well as political and cultural leaders.

 

Retired Archbishop Henry Orombi preached from Mark 4:35ff. "In life there will always be storms," he said. “Remember Jesus is in the boat with you."

 

Jesus speaks to the wind and calms storms because He is Creator God, Almighty God. He brings peace because he is the Prince of Peace. “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

 

Bishop Orombi charged the new Bishop to

·         Be a Messenger of God, who heals and provides

·         Be a Shepherd to all people and to bless them, not to curse them.

·         Be a peacemaker when so many families are experiencing conflicts

·         Run well with the baton you have received from Bishop Johnson Gakumba

·         Respect the elders and receive wisdom from them.

 

Retiring Bishop Johnson Gakumba thanked the many people who have supported him in his vision of lifting up the Diocese in the immediate post-war season.

 

The newly consecrated Bishop Loum recognized that the war had been over for at least ten years, but was still inside families through long-term trauma and invisible wounds that have led to increased alcoholism and addictions to try to medicate the pain. Increased crime, Gender-based violence, and land grabbing are further signs of the long-term impact of trauma. He called the dependency mindset a disabling culture that could only be defeated by a mindset change.

 

Quoting 2 Tim 4:1-2, he committed himself to "Preach the Word; to be prepared in season and out of season. To correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction." He pledged the following:

·         Help people overcome the bondage to anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness;

·         Teach lifeskills for youth to meet their own needs;

·         Promote workable strategies of crime prevention;

·         Support resettlement of prisoners;

·         Resolve underlying issues of land grabbing;

·         Mentor children and youth

·         Partner with government, especially in the Parish Development Model;

·         Promote the Biblical view of marriage as one man and one woman in faithful and monogamous relationship;

·         Equip families to build a “family altar” so the Word of God can bring hope and healing;

·         Encourage Christians to faithful stewardship to support clergy welfare and provide decent housing for them;

·         Promote ICT in Gospel proclamation and ministry.

 

Ultimately, he committed himself to remain obedient to the authority of Scripture. He assured the church and community that they will reject any misinterpretations of Scripture.

 

Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, the Speaker of Parliament, represented His Excellency, the President of Uganda, as the Chief Guest. He appealed to the Acholi to unite and to defeat the breakdown of unity and reclaim Acholi culture of mutual support among the people. He reminded them that they are their "brother's keeper," quoting from the book of Genesis.

 

The President donated a vehicle to the newly consecrated Bishop to facilitate his pastoral work. It will be delivered to Gulu in early December 2021.

Thousands of people flocked to St. Philip's Cathedral in Gulu on 21^st November 2021  for the consecration and enthronement of the Rt. Rev. Godfrey Loum as the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda.

 

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba presided over the colourful service with many Bishops in attendance as well as political and cultural leaders.

 

Retired Archbishop Henry Orombi preached from Mark 4:35ff. "In life there will always be storms," he said. “Remember Jesus is in the boat with you."

 

Jesus speaks to the wind and calms storms because He is Creator God, Almighty God. He brings peace because he is the Prince of Peace. “Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

 

Bishop Orombi charged the new Bishop to

·         Be a Messenger of God, who heals and provides

·         Be a Shepherd to all people and to bless them, not to curse them.

·         Be a peacemaker when so many families are experiencing conflicts

·         Run well with the baton you have received from Bishop Johnson Gakumba

·         Respect the elders and receive wisdom from them.

 

Retiring Bishop Johnson Gakumba thanked the many people who have supported him in his vision of lifting up the Diocese in the immediate post-war season.

 

The newly consecrated Bishop Loum recognized that the war had been over for at least ten years, but was still inside families through long-term trauma and invisible wounds that have led to increased alcoholism and addictions to try to medicate the pain. Increased crime, Gender-based violence, and land grabbing are further signs of the long-term impact of trauma. He called the dependency mindset a disabling culture that could only be defeated by a mindset change.

 

Quoting 2 Tim 4:1-2, he committed himself to "Preach the Word; to be prepared in season and out of season. To correct, rebuke, and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction." He pledged the following:

·         Help people overcome the bondage to anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness;

·         Teach lifeskills for youth to meet their own needs;

·         Promote workable strategies of crime prevention;

·         Support resettlement of prisoners;

·         Resolve underlying issues of land grabbing;

·         Mentor children and youth

·         Partner with government, especially in the Parish Development Model;

·         Promote the Biblical view of marriage as one man and one woman in faithful and monogamous relationship;

·         Equip families to build a “family altar” so the Word of God can bring hope and healing;

·         Encourage Christians to faithful stewardship to support clergy welfare and provide decent housing for them;

·         Promote ICT in Gospel proclamation and ministry.

 

Ultimately, he committed himself to remain obedient to the authority of Scripture. He assured the church and community that they will reject any misinterpretations of Scripture.

 

Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, the Speaker of Parliament, represented His Excellency, the President of Uganda, as the Chief Guest. He appealed to the Acholi to unite and to defeat the breakdown of unity and reclaim Acholi culture of mutual support among the people. He reminded them that they are their "brother's keeper," quoting from the book of Genesis.

 

The President donated a vehicle to the newly consecrated Bishop to facilitate his pastoral work. It will be delivered to Gulu in early December 2021.