Presiding Apostle Dr. Joseph Serwadda has on Tuesday told Ugandans he is not the author of the Religion and Faith-Based Organizations (RFBO) draft policy by government which, according to reports has generated debate and uncalled-for divisions among religious leaders.
Dr Serwadda says those who insist that he could be the originator of this policy do so out of misinformation.
This statement via his official social media account comes following mixed reactions to his opinion published by state aided newspaper, New Vision on June 19 regarding the RFBO policy.
“The RFBO policy was presented by the Minister of Ethics & Integrity to the “stakeholders” (Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU)) in a meeting that I did not attend as I was abroad. I was actually represented by 4 of my assistants there. Major Balokole leaders were in attendance and our churches were represented in general.” He wrote.
On his return, Dr Serwadda, who is also the founding Pastor of Victory Christian Centre Church – Ndeeba, says he called for an open Pastoral meeting on June 3rd, 2017 to address the policy.
Church leaders that attended the meeting resolved to respond to the policy with the view of:
- Seek legal interpretation of the policy and address it accordingly. Several lawyers are now working on it, Dr Serwadda says.
- Have extensive input from the pastors whose churches will be affected by the policy. That process is on-going too, he adds.
- Encourage all Balokole church leaders, fraternities, fellowships, forums, (fora) platforms, clusters, groups, denominations etc to also address this matter.
- There has been a sentiment that there are some “blue eyed” friends of the “powers that be” who can whisper in the ears of those in power to completely set the policy aside, please go ahead and make the move.
- Those of us who are prayer warriors must start praying and cause a shift in the spiritual atmosphere of our nation.
Dr Serwadda said however varied peoples opinions may be, let there be a response.
“Those who accept the policy and those are opposed to it must of a necessity respond. It shall be up to the State to bring these views together and set the policy aside or go ahead with it knowing the varied views Balokole hold.” Dr Serwadda said.
He through the same statement condemned divisions among fellow Church leaders noting that the best way to lose a battle and eventually the whole war is to start pointing fingers at your fellow fighters.
“History has recorded that the only army that kills its fighters is the Christian Army. I have been part of “the church” for 42 years and have scars to prove my fights against “Religious people and the State” in my apologetic (defense stance) for Christ. I’m part of the Church. I’m not about to go away and my beliefs and faith are set in hard core concrete. I’m not giving up because someone calls me names or makes me a sermon topic. I have endured Catholics, Anglicans, Muslims, balogo (sorcerers), and fellow Balokole are not my enemies.” He wrote.
Adding: “As a fighter, I understand that because we have been attacked, the current rants are a result of the disarray the enemy has caused. Ignorance will be soon overcome. Overcome by current information and truth. Those of you who accuse me of making a mistake here and there, come and speak with me and get to know the truth. Now get to work and stop making unprofitable noise! We have a task ahead of us and it is a protracted war.”
editor@ugchristiannews.com
