From Religious Conflict to a Shared Health Ministry

From Religious Conflict to a Shared Health Ministry

At the International Association of Mission Studies (IAMS) Conference in Balatonfüred, Hungary (16-23 August 2OO8), Indian-born Dr Lalsangkima Pachuau presented a paper “Ethnic Identity and the Gospel of Reconciliation.”. Dr Peter Kanyandago of Uganda who teaches at the Martyrs’ University in Uganda responded to Dr Pachaua’ address by briefly referring to the religious history of his country where there had also been a need for real reconciliation. We would like to share Father Kanyandago’s response with you.

From Conflict to Reconciliation in Uganda

Numerically speaking, the spread of the Christian faith in Uganda seems really successful, as 90% of the population is Christian today. Of the total of 30 million inhabitants 14 million are Catholic and 13 million Anglican. Historically there had always been tension between these two churches, which had often been further complicated by ethnic rivalries.

Uganda used to be a British colony, and the colonial officials and the military supported the Anglican missionary effort. The first Christian missionaries reached Uganda at the end of the nineteenth century. After the Congress of Berlin, 1885, many missionaries from England, France and Germany arrived with the goal of establishing their churches in the young colonies. In order to do their work they often relied on the colonial power.

In Uganda, a British colony, the Anglican missionaries depended on the British colonial authorities, while Catholic missionaries, often from France hoped that the French government would support them. In the years leading up to World War I, there was significant rivalry between these two churches.

This rivalry persisted after World War 1 right through to the declaration of independence in 1962, so much so that political parties were often formed along religious lines with Catholics voting for the Democratic party while Anglicans supported the Congress party. Denominational schools meant that this rivalry continued in education and also flowed over into the workplace with both Catholic and Anglican employers employing Catholic and Anglican workers respectively.

Religious controversies continued through to the 199Os. Today people realise that the politics of separation cause too much trouble and suffering, and the process of reconciliation has begun in small but important ways. Most significantly schools are beginning to cooperate with one another

Several years ago the Interreligious Council of Uganda was established. Its most important contribution to lessen religious rivalry –an interdenominational health care system. Medical instruments and medicines given to the churches are collected at one place, and then supplied to the medical centres and hospitals belonging to different churches. This might seem a small step, but it is an important step towards the overcoming the former prejudices.

The churches are in a dialogue at a higher level as well in an effort to reduce tribal and denominational tensions. Christians of all denominations and from all walks of life seek to be part of a reconciling process in their country.

For further information refer to the web page of IAMS: www.missionstudies.org