UGANDA: Bishop Wanok Appeals to Christians for Unity in Fighting Corruption
Fr. Isaac Ojok
The Bishop of Lira Diocese in Uganda, Rt. Rev Sanctus Lino Wanok, has appealed to Christians to unite in fighting corruption in the society, beginning from their families.
On the occasion of the ordination of deacons under the Congregation of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ), held on the 9th February 2023 in Ngetta, Lira Diocese, the bishop decried high level corruption that has become endemic and has deeply entered the families.
He noted with concern that children of today’s society are quickly learning and indulging in acts of corruption and bribery, giving example that before a child can be sent to buy an item, he or she is tempted to ask for something in return which is a bad trend children the world is taking.
According to Bishop Wanok, for a society to be free from corruption, action must start right from the families where parents have the obligation and role to play in nurturing and instilling moral values in their children.
A part from addressing corruption, the Bishop went on exhorting the congregation to fight forces of evil citing theft, witchcraft and other forms of wickedness in the society using the power of prayers and faithfulness to the word of God.
At the moment he stated that it is timely for the public to be vigilant and refrain from the current wave of conflicts and killings among the community, urging that the public to instead work in unison to eliminate the practices of theft and witchcraft in their vicinities.
In his address, Rt. Rev. Wanok particularly mentioned that the parents should begin to mentor their children in the church to have listening hearts, according to set norms acceptable in the society.
He further asked Christians to always observe and utilize the presence of the ordained ministers in the Church as an opportunity for them to enhance their spiritual growth and renewal in a bid to denounce and be free from corruption in their midst.
He reminded the congregation that the newly ordained deacons have become prophets to the rest of humanity and to serve amongst the people afflicted by corruption, theft, and the killing that now days are happening in the society so that all may be liberated from the slavery of sins.
Following massive cases of corruption in families, and society at large and other short comings, the prelate acknowledged that it has reached a moment for people to ask forgiveness from God so as to become true, reliable and dependable followers of Jesus Christ.
During the homily as he presided over the ordination, Bishop Santos went on to offer catechesis on the roles and duties of a deacon in the Church, stating that among the many roles, a deacon is first and foremost ordained to prepare the liturgy, proclaim the gospel, preside over public prayers, assist at marriages, baptize and perform the works of charity among the widows, children and other categories especially the needy.
He advised the newly ordained deacons to be candidates of good reputation, free from all suspicions in a move to inspire and lead others to build just and peaceful society.
The candidates ordained to the order of deaconate under the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus are Deacon Robert Nsinga from Hoima Diocese, Deacon John Bosco Muherwa from Kabale Diocese and Deacon Denish Idro from Gulu Archdiocese respectively.
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