New Archbishop of Uganda; ‘Throats slit’ in Nigeria village; Pope marks end of difficult year, notes God’s good; Belgium will prosecute Church of Scientology as a criminal organisation; Egyptian Christians Face the Future Under New Islamist Law
New Archbishop of Uganda
The Most Revd Stanley Ntagali was enthroned as the 8th Archbishop of the Church of Uganda on Sunday, 16th December, at St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe.
More than 3,000 people attended the colourful ceremony, including His Excellency the President, political leaders, business leaders, and all the bishops of the Church of Uganda.
Primates from other Provinces in the Anglican Communion were also present – Burundi, Rwanda, Sudan, Kenya, Indian Ocean, Nigeria, Jerusalem and the Middle East, England, and Scotland – along with other archbishops and bishops from Kenya, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Australia, United States of America, and England.
The President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, attended the function and addressed the gathering, urging the Church to increase their ministry to young people and to guide the youth in moral, upright, and productive living.
The Most Revd John Sentamu, Archbishop of York and a Ugandan by birth, represented the Archbishop of Canterbury and read a letter of greeting and congratulations from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The preacher for the service was the Most Revd Robert Duncan, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America. Preaching from Philippians 2:5-8 and John 21:18, Archbishop Duncan addressed two vocations for the Church of Uganda and the new Archbishop.
The Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, retiring Archbishop, handed over the Provincial Staff to Archbishop Ntagali, thus symbolizing the transfer of spiritual authority from one Archbishop to another. The congregation broke out into spontaneous and extended applause, showing their love and affection for both Archbishops.
Archbishop Ntagali was then seated in the Primatial Chair at St Paul’s Cathedral, Namirembe, and greeted by every bishop of the Church of Uganda and all visiting archbishops and bishops.
In his Charge, the new Archbishop pledged to finish the construction of Church House and ensure that it generates income for the Church’s wider ministry. He identified support for Uganda Christian University, Theological Education, youth and children’s ministry, GAFCON, and HIV/AIDS ministry as priorities.
‘Throats slit’ in Nigeria village
Suspected Islamist militants killed 15 Christians in an attack in northern Nigeria, slitting the throats of their victims, witnesses say.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20865886
Pope marks end of difficult year, notes God’s good
AP — Pope Benedict XVI has marked the end of a difficult year by saying that despite all the death and injustice in the world, goodness prevails.
Benedict celebrated New Year’s Eve with a vespers service in St. Peter’s Basilica to give thanks for 2012 and look ahead to 2013. He appeared tired during the service and used a cane afterward — an indication that the busy Christmas season may be taking a toll on the 85-year-old Benedict.
In his homily, Benedict said it’s tough to remember that goodness prevails when bad news — death, violence and injustice — “makes more noise than good.” He said taking time to meditate in prolonged reflection and prayer can help “find healing from the inevitable wounds of daily life.”
http://news.yahoo.com/pope-marks-end-difficult-notes-gods-good-164910806.html
Belgium will prosecute Church of Scientology as a criminal organisation
Belgium’s federal public prosecutors have decided to prosecute the Church of Scientology in Belgium and several of its high-ranking members.
The charges include extortion, fraud, illegal practice of medicine and violations of privacy legislation.
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/27013/belgium-prosecutes-scientology-cult
Egyptian Christians Face the Future Under New Islamist Law
What way forward under the hastily passed, shari’ah-based constitution?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/december-web-only/egyptian-christians-face-future.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+christianitytoday%2Fctmag+%28Christianity+Today+Magazine%29