{UAH} Five priests defrocked for partaking of the forbiddens fruits
|
10:38 AM |
No comments |
Five priests defrocked over immoral behaviour
- Written by URN
Five priests in Ruwenzori diocese have been defrocked over alleged immoral behaviour.
The five priests; Rev. Joel Manyindo who was parish priest Rwimi All Saints Church, Rev. Jonathan Kyangasha, the chaplain Canon Apollo Teachers' College, Rev. Felix Batalingaya formerly of St. Andrews Church of Uganda Rwengoma, Rev. Paul Kinyerere and Deacon Abel Arinaitwe who was on pastoral work at Bunyonyi Church of Uganda parish in Kijura were defrocked following a diocesan tribunal meeting two weeks ago.
Addressing the media at the Ruwenzori diocesan headquarters in Fort Portal, Bishop Reuben Kisembo Amooti said the diocesan tribunal analysed the behaviour of the five priests and overwhelmingly agreed that that the priests be defrocked.
He explained that the defrocked priests are not allowed to perform and preside over any pastoral work on behalf of Church of Uganda or Ruwenzori diocese. Kisembo also ordered the priests to return the ordination certificates they received at their ordination day with immediate effect.
Rev. Steven Kalyebara, the Ruwenzori diocesan secretary declined to disclose the alleged immoral behaviour that led to the priests being defrocked citing fears that the priests might be embarrassed within the community.
However, a source at the diocesan headquarters that preferred anonymity told URN that some of the priests embezzled funds while others were involved in sexual scandals.
Kalyebara says the decision that was taken by the diocesan tribunal is aimed at sending a strong message to other priests.
Ecclesiastical discipline as outlined under Canon 3:26 of the Canons of the Church of Uganda lists grounds that may be brought against a bishop, priest or deacon of a province.
They include any offence which has led to conclusive conviction in a courts of law in Uganda and is considered serious by the archbishop or the diocesan bishop, as the case may be.
Others are conduct giving just cause for scandal or offence; heresy or false doctrine; schisms; apostasy from the Christian faith; wilful violation of the constitution and regulations of the province or diocese; disobedience, that is to say, wilful contravention of lawful orders, rules, regulations, either of the provincial assembly or the diocesan synod of the diocese in which he/she holds office or, in matters of faith and order, of the House of Bishops and neglect of the duties of his office.
Canon 3:28 empowers diocesan tribunals to try priests and deacons where cases arise concerning ecclesiastical discipline.
Disclaimer:Everyone posting to this Forum bears the sole responsibility for any legal consequences of his or her postings, and hence statements and facts must be presented responsibly. Your continued membership signifies that you agree to this disclaimer and pledge to abide by our Rules and Guidelines.To unsubscribe from this group, send email to: ugandans-at-heart+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment