DIOCESE OF MUHABURA

Bishop Mbitse Godfrey held his first Synod on 8-9/4/2024 since he assumed office as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Muhabura on April 02, 2023.

The Synod began with the Holy Communion Service led by Rt.Rev.Mbitse Godfrey. The preacher Ven. Bahati Enock the Archdeacon Gisorora Archdeaconry, sharing the theme "Don't conform to the patterns of the World but the truth of the Word of God" Romans 12:1-2, called upon Christians to give more time to reading the word of God than social media messages.

Ven. Bahati Enock further implored Christians to stick to the word of God lest they fall captive to the enemy because of ignorance about the truth revealed in the word of God among others.

The Guest of Honor Hon.Sarah Nyirabashitsi Mateke, the State Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs congratulated Bishop Mbitse Godfrey for one year so far in the office.

Hon.Sarah Mateke urged Christians and Clergy to remain peaceful and focus on development. "We should not have another chaos in the Diocese of Muhabura because, after all, it's our Church that we are bringing down. As leaders let's identify projects that will bring in money" Hon.Sarah Mateke noted among others.

Hon.Dr.Philemon Mateke, the former State Minister for Regional Cooperation and current Synod member from Nyakabingo C.O.U Parish, Gisorora Archdeaconry called upon Christians to unite and support the Bishop. "If we say that we are united and support the Bishop, then we must support the Bishop with tangible things. We should work together to bring more developments in the Diocese" Hon.Dr.Philemon Mateke noted.

Speaking to Synod, Bishop Mbitse Godfrey thanked the members for attending Synod and the successful Consecration and Enthronement of the third Bishop of the Diocese of Muhabura on April 02, 2023.

Bishop Mbitse Godfrey applauded Synod for emphasizing unity and that it has given him the new impetus to continue preaching unity as usual among others.

Bishop Mbitse Godfrey further said that "supporting the Bishop is to support lay readers, Parish Priests and all the projects and plans of the Diocese. Making resolutions alone is not enough but working together as a team for implementation is key. So let's remain one united in Christ".

Bishop Mbitse Godfrey, applauded his predecessor retired Bishop Cranmer Mugisha and Maama Hope Mugisha for the achievements in the Diocese and for starting the new Cathedral Construction which is at the roofing beam.

The Bishop also thanked the site eng. Benon Nteziryayo, the new Cathedral Construction Finance Committee headed by Mr Sam Musominali, Rev.Canon Wilson Baganizi the Chairman new Cathedral Construction Committee, structural engineer David Rwanika the former Chairman Diocese of Muhabura Christians Kampala Fellowship and Mrs.Hope Biz'Imana alias digital Kaka Lulu on behalf of the committee and the fellowship at large, and the entire Christians for the mobilization and contribution towards the new St.Andrew's Cathedral Construction.

The Bishop thanked Mr.Hafash'Imana Valence one of the beneficiaries of the Diocese of Muhabura Orphan Child Sponsorship Program, for giving back to the Diocese by contributing 100 bags of Cement towards the new Cathedral Construction recently.

He also thanked Mr Tereraho John, the Diocese of Muhabura and Provincial Head of Laity and all Choirs in the Diocese for contributing over 20m Shillings to the new Cathedral Construction late last year during Diocese of Muhabura all Choirs get together the event which Mr Tereraho John was the Guest of honour.

Bishop Mbitse Godfrey rallied for more support to complete the new Cathedral Construction.

Rt.Rev.Mbitse Godfrey also Castigated Clergy who rejected transfers. He challenged the Clergy that by the time they consider joining full-time ordained Ministry, they should know that "We are called to serve all and everywhere. No standard in the Church, don't refuse posting. Which Church were you called to serve and not to serve? To the Laity don't reject the one they have posted to your Church, also know that when you send these people to train for Ordained Ministry, they are to serve all and every where. So don't say that you want so and so and don't want so and so. For those who think that they joined Ordained Ministry for specific Churches and positions and can't serve all and everywhere let them come and challenge me openly" Bishop Mbitse Godfrey boldly and sternly cautioned.

The Synod was also attended by the Diocesan Chancellor Counsel Ernest Mushime Sendegeya of EJ Sendegeya & Associates, Advocates, and Maama Anna Mbitse among others.