Of the CHURCH ENGAGING THE CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS

Abstract

Like many nations around the world, Uganda is experiencing economic, political and social challenges. Whereas it is not in doubt that the State has largely succeeded holding on to power, the festering wounds in Northern Uganda, the upheavals in Kasese, the tense political situation after the 2016 elections, the economic difficulties of the people, and the noticeable anger and discontent expressed through social media cannot be ignored. People’s discontent ranges from unbridled corruption, malfeasance, injustice, unemployment, poor health systems, regional imbalance, poverty, insecurity, poor education, etc. There also seems to be a state of malaise and hopelessness in the nation. A culture of selfishness and inward self-seeking has engulfed the nation. Stories of heroism and selflessness are viewed as exceptions to the rule. A culture of celebrating theft, stealing from road accident victims, rejoicing at the death or other misfortune of people we don’t agree with has or is developing. While there is certainly a lot to be celebrated about this nation, it is not in doubt that interventions to the above are necessary if not urgent. Like the Chinese proverb goes, there no better time than this, to start planting trees. In this case, there is no better time for the church to be involved in the social, political and economic affairs of the nation than now.

Introduction and Statement of the Problem

For a while now, the church has generally surrendered its role and taken a backseat with regards to participating in transforming our nation for the better. I use the phrase “surrendered” because throughout history, the Church has been a leader in social and national transformation. The history of colonialism and the church of Uganda, the history of education, philosophy, the arts, science and almost all major professions have their footing in the church. To date, the Church is like Okot P’Bitek’s depiction of Africa as an idle giant chained to the rocks of ignorance, and unaware of the potential it has to make change in the nation and the world. This malaise might be a result of many factors which include –but are not limited to - the heavy persecution the church underwent during the dark days of Idi Amin or due to the prosperity gospel that has largely taken over many a church’s sermons. Whereas it is not in doubt that there is a remnant that God has been using to speak to power and get involved in the affairs of the nation, this remnant needs to be supported by all of us. We all need to play our part as the body of Christ. One stone may cause ripples in the water, but many more stones are needed to cause a tsunami. The tsunami or revolution cannot happen without the involvement of all. The Christian Revolution in western Uganda in the early 1950’s took a similar trend. There is therefore both an urgent need to unify the body of Christ to work in unison, but also to resume/rejuvenate its role to champion that necessary change needed in the nation. Indeed the world awaits the sons of man to make themselves manifest. They are that much needed spark which will help encourage more giant killers to rise up like in the days or David or as we witnessed earlier in Africa, more Arab Springs. The need for this “church spring” is urgent.

My attention was recently drawn to an ongoing court case against one of the Pentecostal pastors in the Kiira Town Council who is being prosecuted for noise pollution. Interestingly, the complainant is a female of the Islamic faith. This Pastor and the church itself have not had an easy time in establishing/building the church in its current location. The first information I received is that the building of the church has been frustrated in many instances by some councillors (who were alleged to be of the Islamic faith) and it was only when the intervention of the town mayor was sought that the building works have continued. Using my position as President of the Uganda Christian Lawyers’ Fraternity, I have assigned a lawyer to carry out a watching brief on this case which is due for hearing on the 12^th of January 2017. Christian Lawyers have also come to the defence of the Pastor and we continue to seek ways of amicably resolving this matter.

Thesis/ Way Forward

The above case (and related stories from other pastors and Christians in Uganda) has justified my long held view that there is need for a Christian presence in the local politics of our nation. While we often (and yes I am being generalist here) avoid such leadership/political issues as being diversionary, unchristian, we continue to witness instances where the lack of Christian virtues of love, patience, kindness, compassion etc in those in power has given our nation a bad name. More specifically, those who have sought leadership positions have concentrated on seeking the top leadership of the nation and ignored the local politics where the actual power lies. I am sure the case of the Pastor mentioned above would have been different if there were more Christians in the local leadership of Kiira town council.

However, in order to get the Church involved, there is need for a renewal of the mind. A re-education – an unlearning and a re-learning. This will prepare them to see the need to participate in the forthcoming elections and in so doing, bring Godly values into the local leadership at the Local Council elections. This will make it easier for the Missional Communities to carry out their work and even open doors to other places that have hitherto been blocked. In the long run, we can also prepare for post-conflict interventions in Northern Uganda and even in Kasese.

Many texts can be used to achieve this purpose. Specifically, my thoughts are guided by the writings of John Enlow in his book – The Seven Mountain Prophesy. He highlights seven (7) crucial mountains which the Church needs to conquer in order to prepare the world for Christ. 

These are –

1. Arts and Entertainment
2. Business
3. Family
4. Media
5. Governance
6. Education
7. Religion

Specifically, at this point, the church needs to start a conversation/teaching series that is aimed at helping its membership know the important roles they need to play in this dispensation.  An investigation of the teachings by John Enlow are strongly recommended. Mensa Otabil’s “Buy TheFuture” is also a great teaching source.