The Bishop of Kabale Diocese, Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, has urged Catholic priests to take keen interest in the growing influence of prosperity gospel teachings, warning that many Christians are being misled by promises of quick wealth and miracle solutions to poverty.
Bishop Rubaramira made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing priests of Kabale Diocese during the Chrism Mass at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral on Rushoroza Hill in Kabale Municipality.
He noted that many new churches are emerging and attracting Christians with teachings that link financial prosperity to faith declarations, donations and tithes. He expressed concern that some individuals who previously trained in Catholic seminaries are starting their own churches and promoting doctrines that suggest faith, positive confession and financial giving automatically result in divine financial blessings.
Bishop Rubaramira further pointed out that some of these churches sell so-called anointing oils at varying prices while promising miracles and financial breakthroughs to believers.
He challenged priests to reflect on why some Catholics are leaving the Church for such ministries and urged them to find lasting pastoral solutions. He emphasized the need for clergy to investigate the reasons behind this shift and address the challenge before more believers are drawn into teachings that promote āname it and claim itā doctrines.
Bishop Rubaramira observed that the appeal of such teachings is largely driven by widespread poverty and desperation among people seeking financial relief. He encouraged priests to guide believers toward practical solutions such as hard work, entrepreneurship and financial discipline instead of relying on promises of miracles.
He stressed the importance of encouraging Christians to start small-scale businesses, improve household incomes, embrace a saving culture and develop financial discipline rather than following misleading teachings.
Beyond the issue of prosperity gospel, Bishop Rubaramira also called on priests to understand global political ideologies and their impact on society, noting that ideological differences have contributed to conflicts and wars across the world. He urged the clergy to provide moral guidance and promote peace in an increasingly divided global environment.
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The Chrism Mass, one of the most significant liturgies in the Catholic Church during Holy Week, brings together priests of a diocese with their bishop as a sign of unity. During the Mass, the bishop consecrates the Sacred Chrism and blesses the Oils of the Sick and Catechumens for use in sacraments throughout the year, while priests renew their ordination vows.
