BY JOACKIM KULE
South Rwenzori Diocese in the Anglican Church of Uganda Province on Sunday installed 10 people among lay Christians into positions of Canons in honor of their service to the church.
This is the first time the diocese has installed church canons from among the laity since its establishment more than forty years ago.
The title of Canon is the highest honor conferred upon a lay Christian in the Church of Uganda for their previous commitment to serving with faith, and they are named by the diocesan synod.
While presenting the names of the candidates to the Diocesan Bishop for installation, Can. Misach Bulemu, the Diocesan Secretary indicated that the synod, which is the supreme governing body of the Diocese during its sitting on April 27-28 this year, resolved on 11 people to be installed lay canons of St. Paul’s Cathedral under the provisions and guidelines of the provincial canons of the Church of Uganda.
Can. Bulemu presented Mrs Stella Masereka also wife to Bishop Zebedee Kahangwa Masereka, Mr. Yofesi Masereka Mutanywana alias Richman, Mr. Bernabus Bwambale Bamusede, Hon. Loice Biira Bwambale, Mr. Elisha Muliwabyo, Mrs. Aidaloi Syauswa, Mr. Benjamin Masereka Sabiti, Mr. Godfrey Kasasira, Mr. Epafura Masereka and Mrs. Grace Sankara while the 11th, Eng. Samson Bagonza didn’t appear because of sickness.
Can. Bulemu highlighted that the lay canons will be part of the cathedral chapter which is responsible for the administration of the cathedral who will, among others, be charged with bringing the lay perspective to the decisions on church matters, promote mission and ministry using their expertise and community connections to advance the church goals in all aspects of life and supporting the clergy by offering advice and contributing to the overall health of the church among others.
The Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku, the Diocesan Bishop, welcomed them and installed them into the positions of canons. He handed them certificates and canonical attires.
Earlier in his preaching, Bishop Baluku had told them and the entire believers to continue accepting Jesus Christ as the anchor so that he gives them a steadfast hope and provides them with unshakable peace, reliability and moral directions.
Some of the newly installed canons including Loice Bwambale, Grace Sankara, Stella Masereka and Benjamin Sabit, expressed gratitude to the diocese for recognizing them before they pledged total loyalty to the church and the bishops.
ENDS