Bishop Odurkami says the synod of the diocese has convened to among others reunite Christians and put in place mechanism for electing a new Bishop for the diocese.
The synod of Kitgum Diocese is meeting in a bid to restructure and reconcile Christians. The synod has attracted about 160 participants from the 40 parishes, 9 archdeaconries including the clergy, leaders of the laity, women, youth groups and retired Bishops among others.
Kitgum diocese has been marred by accusations of maladministration, corruption and witchcraft from the tenure of the former Bishop, Rt. Rev. Benjamin Ojwang to date. The conflicts forced Bishop Ojwanga to resign in 2015.
As a result, the Church of Uganda provincial leadership appointed Rt. Rev. John Charles Odurkami, the Bishop of Lango Diocese caretaker Kitgum diocese. Bishop Odurkami says the synod of the diocese has convened to among others reunite Christians and put in place mechanism for electing a new Bishop for the diocese.
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He says they will also appoint a committee to embark on massive reconciliation of Christians and undertake several developmental projects such as renovating the Bishop's residence and Diocesan Offices. Rev. Canon. Lamton Oryem, the newly appointed Secretary Kitgum Diocese, says their efforts to reunite Christians have started yielding results.
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However, one of the obstacles to total reconciliation in the diocese is an impeding court case filed by some members of the clergy against the Archbishop, Stanley Ntagali. He is accused of forcing a sitting Bishop to retire before reaching his retirement age and attempting to override the canons governing the church.
Annet Lekuru
Freelancer
