Greetings Brethren,
It is Easter again, and we are alive to celebrate the Redemption Power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Death could not hold him in the grave and because he lives we can face tomorrow and all fear is gone. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death”. (Rom 8:1-2). Today the Church is being challenged from many fronts and indeed the days are evil. We are therefore called to be careful the way we walk, not foolishly but with wisdom. (Eph.5:15)

Friends, God Loves us and that explains why He paid the ultimate Price. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the World that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”.

As we celebrate this Easter it’s important to take some time to quietly reflect on what Easter is all about. It is important to reflect on the love of God and the power of hope. This Easter we celebrate the victorious power of God and we affirm and declare his saving power.   The World Lockdown did not succeed in knocking down the Church of God. Jesus remained and will remain our living Hope. He is the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in him will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in him will never die. We believe and Worship a risen Lord, even the grave could not hold him; because he lives we too shall live. (John14:19)

Never before in modern times have the promoters of evil been as bold as today. The institution of the family is under threat by homosexuality being promoted by the Western World.  Our youth and children are facing great challenges because of social and economic hardships at household level. Greed has eaten our society to the marrow and those in positions of authority are shamelessly grabbing and sharing whatever little is available for the most vulnerable in our society.

The Psalmist in Psalm 11: 3: “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” As we celebrate Easter, let us also reflect on the foundations of the church and society. The true foundation of the church is Christ, the solid rock. It is the righteous who stand for the truth and build on the foundation of the word of God. I wish to commend His Grace, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Stephen Kaziimba, and the House of Bishops for their leadership of the CoU against homosexuality. I wish also to appreciate our Parliament for passing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and look forward to its assent by His Excellency, the President of Uganda, General Y.K. Museveni whose family values are well known.

Finally, as we Celebrate Easter, let me congratulate the dioceses of North Karamoja, Mukono, North Kigezi and Muhabura for the peaceful episcopal succession. Let us remember to pray that God will use the new chief shepherds to take care of his flock. We also congratulate the Diocese of Luweero and the new Diocese of West Ruwenzori for the successful elections of new shepherds and pray for smooth consecration and enthronement processes.

I appeal for the Christians to unite in mind and purpose as we serve humanity. God has appointed Shepherds and His choice is correct. In his own way he appoints leaders for every season. Our duty is to honor Him by accepting the authority of those he has chosen.   Paul wrote to the Romans “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves (Rom13:1-3). Remember that God does not chose the strong, but strengthens those he chooses. He also anoints those he chooses.

Blessed Easter to you all.

John Tereraho

Provincial Head of Laity

Easter 2023