Uganda

Archbishop Stanley and Mama Beatrice - John Macdonald amd me seated nearby

I have returned from my short but satisfying trip to Uganda for the enthronement of Bishop Stanley Ntagali as Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Uganda.  story here  (includes a link at the end of the story to the text of Abp Duncan's sermon given at the enthonement service)  I left Pittsburgh fro NYC and then Amsterdam.  At Schiphol airport in Amsterdam Friday morning I met up with Trinity professor John Macdonald and then Archbishop Bob and Nara Duncan, bishops John (and Meg) Guernsey, Bill Thompson and Neil Lebhar.  Arriving in Entebbe at midnight on Friday after almost 20 hours in the air, we collapsed into our living quarters at the Namirembe guest house in Kampala.  Saturday was a down day in which I delivered the new laptop computer and the suitcase of clergy shirts and vestments to Archbishop Stanley's able American assistant, the Rev Alison Barfoot, Throughout the day I chatted most of the time with new Bishop of the Horn of Africa and former TSM prof Grant LeMarquand, John Macdonald, John and Meg Guernsay, Neil Lebahr and Bill Thompson.  It was great to swap church stories, recount the road to realignment and laugh and have fun. John Macdonald, Deb Carr, SAMS missionary Janine LeGrand, who is working in Masindi Uganda, and I had a nice dinner at an Indian restaurant in Kampala.  

St Paul's Cathedral, Namirembe Hill Saturday AM before service

Saturday was followed by a full day on Sunday for the enthronement activities.  Sunday began with arrival at St Paul's Cathedral on Namirembe Hill at 8:45 AM.  The service began one hour later and lasted 4.5 hours yet it was never boring.  There were at least 8 Archbishops/Primates or their representatives, about 40 Ugandan bishops, 5 ACNA/CANA bishops and a handful of English and other African bishops in the procession.  The were no TEC bishops vested or other TEC clergy introduced during the service.  The Primus of Scotland David Chillingworth was a surprise visitor-- he being the leader of a more liberal Anglican Church.   It was good for him to hear the other side (non TEC) of the current situation.  

President of Uganda Museveni addressing congregation 

The service included addresses by the outgoing Archbishop and charismatic leader Henry Luke Orombi, the new Archbishop, the Archbishop of York John Sentamu and President Museveni of Uganda; the sermon by our own Archbishop Duncan and at least 50 introductions including the Rev "Debbie" Carr of SAMS. I never have heard a better, more heartfelt sermon from my bishop -- and I have heard many before!   A highlight was Abp Duncan leading the congregation of 3,000 in the singing of the anthem of the East African Revival praise chorus Tukutendereza Yesu. listen here

(l to r) ACNA bishops Neil Lebhar, John Guernsey and Bill Thompson 

Former Archbishops Nkoyoyo and Orombi flank newly enthroned Archbishop Ntagali 

Outside of the Cathedral after the service - Identified are Abp Stanley Mama Beatrice, the Roman Catholic Cardinal and Orthodox Metropolitan of Kampala, Abp of York John Sentamu, ACNA Abp Bob Duncan, Primus of Scotland David Chillingworth, former Abps Nkoyoyo and Orombi, Bp of the Horn of Africa Grant Lemarquand, CANA Bp Martin Minns, ACNA Bp Neil Lebhar and others 

A wonderful luncheon reception followed with traditional African music and dancers --- and more speeches. During the reception I introduced myself to the new bishop of Masindi-Kitara diocese George Kasangaki.  Bishop Stanley had made me an honorary Canon of St Mathew's Cathedral in Masindi so it was good to meet and greet my new "boss".  I also spent some time with a friend of our former assistant bishop Henry Scriven, the new Bishop of Winchester and the former director of CMS, Tim Dakin and I greeted old friend Bishop Wilson Turumanya and his wife Sayuni.  I first met Wilson some 30 years ago during our time at All Saints Aliquippa.  Gale and I visited Wilson in his home in Hoima Uganda during our time there in 2005.  Most of the almost 100 international visitors were invited for a twilight dinner reception on the lawn of the Archbishop's palace complete with some awesome African praise music.  During dinner I sat with Bishop John Ruchyhana of Rwanda and his wife Harriet.  They were students with me at Trinity School for Ministry.  The long day ended at about 10:30 that evening.  

Processing out - John Macdonald and I observe 

Monday we drove out to Mukono to see Uganda Christian University and after a very well done presentation by the Vice Chancellor, the Rev Dr John Senyoni, toured the campus --- especially impressive was the new library and new science building.  When Trinity professor Stephen Noll assumed the role of Vice Chancellor in 2001 there were about 250 students -- today there are over 12,000.  How's that for growth!

Main Administration Building at Uganda Christian University 

We returned in enough time to pack, check out and drive to the airport for dinner and departure.  Our dinner with the 8-10 of us that traveled to Uganda on he same flight plus Alison Barfoot and her assistant Susan Morris was a wonderful time of reflection, satisfaction and thanksgiving.   Thus ended my time in Uganda.  The 20 hours of travel back to Pittsburgh completed my endeavor.  Thanks be to God and to you for it all.  

Note:  All pictures (except the photo of UCU) courtesy of the Rev Canon Dr Alison Barfoot, Assistant for International Affairs to the Archbishop of the Church of the Province of Uganda.