I appeal to you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” (Jude 3)
Dear Ones,
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
I have received news of the resignation of The Most Rev and Rt Hon Justin Welby as the Archbishop of Canterbury following a report on his failure to address child abuse allegations in the Church of England.
Along with other members of Gafcon and the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans, several years ago the Church of Uganda ceased recognizing the authority of Archbishop Justin Welby because of his inability to uphold the historic and Biblical teaching of the Church of England on marriage and family.
It grieves us deeply that so many people suffered from the continued abuse of John Smyth over many years simply because the church’s leadership covered up the abuse, did not uphold the moral teaching of the Bible and the church, and failed to defend the vulnerable.
Unfortunately, this is the same compromised leadership that has led to the fabric of the Anglican Communion being torn at its deepest level.
The Church of Uganda commends the Gafcon Movement and the covenanted relationships of the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans to others as the best way forward for Anglicans to re-unite under the authority of Scripture and in the cause of extending the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In this month of November the Church of Uganda is focusing on children. I urge all of us to go the extra mile to ensure that children are safe by creating a conducive environment for them to be born, raised, and nurtured. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).
On behalf of the Church of Uganda, we assure the Church of England of our prayers to lift high the cross of Christ, restore the authority of Scripture, and proclaim the unchanging Gospel in a changing world. We extend our prayers to Archbishop Welby and his family, and also pray for the continued healing for all those who have endured abuse.
The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu
Archbishop of Church of Uganda
