Newly Ordained Clerics Warned Against Adultery and Selfishness

The Diocese of West Lango has ordained more than 60 Clerics; 4 priests, 12 deacons and 42 lay-readers, with a warning to uphold integrity and avoid adultery, selfishness and misuse of church resources as they begin their ministry.

The warning was issued during the diocese’s 10th ordination ceremony held on Wednesday at the Bishop’s Ordination Grounds in Aduku Town Council, Kwania District, where Rt. Rev. Julius Caesar Nina Otim presided over the service.During the service, Very Rev. Capt. Julius Otuku, who led a week-long retreat for the ordinates, reminded them that their calling depends on character and integrity.

Picking from the Gospel of Matthew 5:13–14, he described the clergy as “salt and light” and cautioned them against engaging in adulterous relationships, particularly with married women in the church, commonly referred to as members of the Mothers’ Union.“No matter how eloquent a preacher may be, credibility is lost when actions contradict the message,” he said.

In his address, Bishop Nina Otim warned against selfishness and the pursuit of personal gain through church projects, saying ministry should focus on serving Christians rather than enriching individual leaders.“All initiatives in the church must benefit the Christian community,” the bishop said, urging the clerics to become productive leaders who inspire their congregations by example.

Dr. Laury Lawrence Ocen Clan head of Okarwok-wibye-acel during his speech after party of Rev Peter Otim at Tebung- Aduku Town council, who was also ordained to serve at Minakulu Archdeaconry, called on his colleagues to remain approachable and actively conduct their social work irrespective of what President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni have always said about social work.

Meanwhile Lay Canon Richard Ogwang Odyero urged Christians to support their clergy and avoid divisions within the church. Among those ordained were Rev. Peter Otim, a well-known gospel musician, Rev. Lawrence Abongo, Deacon Sam Egir, Lay Reader Felix Acato and Felix Odyek. URN