ARUA.

The Vatican, through the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, has urged Christians in Arua to be united and stop fighting Sabino Odoki, the new bishop of Arua Diocese sitting at Ediofe Cathedral.

Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, in his homily during the Consecration of Ediofe Cathedral on Saturday, said: “God does not want you divided. All people in the world have to be one family and all Christians are for God.”

In September last year, Ediofe Cathedral was a battle ground where police and youth clashed after 23 of them were arrested while working on the grave of Bishop Emeritus Frederick Drandua.

Christians and priests have in the recent past ganged against Bishop Odoki, calling for his resignation. They accuse him of blocking various projects written by the priests and alleged misuse of church funds. During the ceremony on Saturday, Archbishop Paglia said unity is a pillar of peace and urged the faithful to desist from tribalism.

In defence of Bishop Odoki, the Prefect of the Evangelisation of People, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, said: “It is important for the bishop to show patience and consideration. The priests and the laity have a duty of being together in Christ. Unfortunately, it has come to my notice that there is violence against the bishop. Any attempt to reject a bishop appointed by the Holy Father is uncatholic and unGodly.”

The Papal Nuncio to Uganda, Archbishop Michael August Blume, read the message from Cardinal Filoni.

Several priests, who are critical of Odoki’s administration, have been suspended, leading to stalling of some church works like renovation, wiring and painting. At least Shs1.2 billion has been spent on renovation of the Cathedral since the works started in 2010.

Archbishop John Baptist Odama, said: “Some things that did not go well in the past should be left behind. I ask you to bury the dust behind and do better things ahead of us.”

Since the attack on Bishop Odoki last year, the police have been deployed at his residence where they have been accused of brutalising the locals passing by the cathedral.

Accusation

Christians and priests have in the recent past ganged against Bishop Sabino Odoki, calling for his resignation. They accuse him of blocking various projects written by the priests and alleged misuse of church funds. During the ceremony on Saturday, Archbishop Paglia said unity is a pillar of peace and urged the faithful to desist from tribalism.

(da Daily Monitor)