Summary:
- Archbishop Kaziimba lamented that this failure to act had caused “so many people to suffer,” and that the Church’s leadership had failed in its moral and spiritual duties.
KAMPALA: The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has issued a letter addressing the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby as the Archbishop of Canterbury, following a report exposing his failure to act on child abuse allegations within the Church of England.
In his message, Archbishop Kaziimba expressed his deep sorrow over the suffering of victims of abuse and the Church’s failure to protect vulnerable individuals.
Kaziimba, alongside the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans (GSFA) and members of the Gafcon movement, made it clear that the Church of Uganda had already distanced itself from Archbishop Welby years ago.
“This decision was driven by Welby’s inability to uphold what Kaziimba called “the historic and Biblical teaching” of the Church, especially on issues such as marriage and family. The Church of Uganda, a key member of the GSFA, expressed concern that the leadership under Welby had compromised the integrity of the Anglican Communion, causing irreparable harm to the global fellowship of Anglicans”. Archbishop Kaziimba said.
The resignation of Welby, Kaziimba stated, was a painful yet necessary step in the light of ongoing revelations about abuse within the Church. The most prominent case involves John Smyth, whose prolonged abuse of minors was covered up for years, allowing the damage to spread unchecked.
Archbishop Kaziimba lamented that this failure to act had caused “so many people to suffer,” and that the Church’s leadership had failed in its moral and spiritual duties.
He added “In light of these events, the Church of Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to the Gafcon movement, which it sees as the true path forward for Anglicans, one that emphasizes the authority of Scripture and a renewed focus on evangelism”.
Archbishop Kaziimba expressed hope that these covenanted relationships could help heal the divisions within the Anglican Communion, which have deepened in recent years.
As the Church of Uganda focuses on children this November, Kaziimba also urged members of the church to prioritize the safety and well-being of children.
Drawing from the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:14, he reminded the faithful that children hold a special place in God’s kingdom and that the Church must create environments where they are protected, nurtured, and loved.
In his letter, Kaziimba extended prayers for Archbishop Welby and his family, while also asking for continued healing for the victims of abuse.
“We assure the Church of England of our prayers to lift high the cross of Christ, restore the authority of Scripture, and proclaim the unchanging Gospel in a changing world,” he concluded.
The Church of Uganda’s response to Welby’s resignation highlights the growing rift within the Anglican Communion over issues of doctrine, leadership, and accountability. With the resignation of one of its most prominent leaders, the Church faces a critical moment of reflection on its values and its future direction.
Below is the Archbishop Kaziimba’s statement.
Dear ones,
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
I have received news of the resignation of The Most Rev and Rt Hon Justin Welby as the Archbishop of Canterbury following a report on his failure to address child abuse allegations in the Church of England.
Along with other members of Gafcon and the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans, several years ago the Church of Uganda ceased recognizing the authority of Archbishop Justin Welby because of his inability to uphold the historic and Biblical teaching of the Church of England on marriage and family.
It grieves us deeply that so many people suffered from the continued abuse of John Smyth over many years simply because the church’s leadership covered up the abuse, did not uphold the moral teaching of the Bible and the church, and failed to defend the vulnerable.
Unfortunately, this is the same compromised leadership that has led to the fabric of the Anglican Communion being torn at its deepest level.
The Church of Uganda commends the Gafcon Movement and the covenanted relationships of the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans to others as the best way forward for Anglicans to re-unite under the authority of Scripture and in the cause of extending the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In this month of November the Church of Uganda is focusing on children. I urge all of us to go the extra mile to ensure that children are safe by creating a conducive environment for them to be born, raised, and nurtured. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14).
On behalf of Church of Uganda, we assure the Church of England of our prayers to lift high the cross of Christ, restore the authority of Scripture, and proclaim the unchanging Gospel in a changing world. We extend our prayers to Archbishop Welby and his family, and also pray for the continued healing for all those who have endured abuse.
The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu
Archbishop of Church of Uganda
13th November 2024
