LEADING THE WAY IN CHURCH TRANSITION

Bishop Nelson, Bishop Elect Canon Johnson Gakumba and Brenda talking over tea.

Bishop Joel Obatia and Bishop Nelson shares light moment after the opening address at Emmanuel Cathedral Arua Thursday 15, 2009



By Rev. Willy Akena
The Bishop of Madi West Nile, Rt. Rev. Joel Obatia has commended Bishop Nelson for his exemplary leadership during this period of transition. Bishop Joel was on Thursday 15 October addressing members of staff from the Diocese of Northern Uganda who were in Madi West Nile Diocese for a three days retreat. The theme for the retreat is “Best approach to Transition”. The Bishop Elect, Rev. Canon Johnson Gakumba is being introduced to the staff and the activities carried out and plans for the coming years. The staff pledged their commitment to work with their new Bishop just like they did with Bishop Nelson. In his key note address, Bishop Joel said during transition, different reactions is expected, some people will be excited, others disappointed, and others just pull away. Bishop Joel said, “Nelson led the diocese during the most traumatic time” and that the New Bishop is coming at a time when Northern Uganda is entering into a new life. The bishop concluded by saying that the Diocese of Northern Uganda is leading the way in transition and that Madi West Nile should follow. On his part Bishop Nelson appealed to his brother bishops not to forget about the retired bishops. A total of 34 Staff attended this retreat