He sat between two men of God. They have been in his position. Faced with a tougher job, under close scrutiny of a bigger congregation, the new Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Stanley Ntagali, looked relaxed and only shifted occasionally in his seat during his enthroned on Sunday, Dec. 16. The 57-year old sat between his mentor, retired Archbishop Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo, and his predecessor, immediate-past Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi. After signing a few documents as the new archbishop, he said something that left Orombi in quiet laughter and smiles.
Over 30,000 people flocked St. Paul Cathedral, Namirembe to witness the enthronement. President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, ambassadors, chief justice, Catholic Cardinal Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, Pastor Joseph Serwadda, head of the Pentecostal Churches, the Metropolitan YonaLwanga, and a representative of the Mufti of Uganda attended.
[blockquote] “If there are some homosexuals, we shall not kill or persecute them but there should be no promotion of homosexuality. We cannot accept promotion of homosexuality as if it is a good thing,†Museveni said to thunderous applause from the congregation. [/blockquote]
This gives the lie to the liberal canard that Anglicans in Uganda are trying to have draconian measures instituted by the government against homosexuals. There are many Ugandan politicians who want to have homosexuals put to death or given lengthy prison sentences, but it is the Church who is pressuring them to moderate their position. Good to see that the President has openly endorsed the Anglican view – that could be costly for him in terms of political support.
Fantastic to read about the powerful work being done through Anglicans in Uganda, and particularly the hard work and dedication of ++Orombi. I am confident that ++Ntagali will be of the same standard and belief.
After all, look at how the Lord continuallty raises up new men of God when others retire: In Nigeria, ++Akinola was replaced by ++Okoh; in Kenya, ++Nzimbi was replaced by ++Wabukala; in Southern Cone, ++Venables was replaced by ++Zavala; and so on.
Glad to hear +Livingston is still with us. I have great memories of his kindness and leadership. May God continue to bless him richly.