Uganda’s Anglican Church Severs Ties with Church of England Amidst Doctrinal Differences and Abuse Scandals
By The Public Lens
Church of Uganda has welcomed the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, citing long-standing doctrinal differences and the Church of England’s handling of child abuse scandals.
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu expressed grave concern over Welby’s resignation, highlighting the Church of Uganda’s disassociation from the Church of England due to disagreements on marriage and family issues.
This stance was reinforced by the recent scandal surrounding John Smyth, a British lawyer and serial abuser linked to the Church of England.
The Church of Uganda had already severed ties with the Church of England last year after the latter voted to allow prayers for same-sex marriages.
Archbishop Kaziimba declared that the Church of Uganda could not align itself with the Church of England due to this shift in doctrinal positions.
Instead, the Church of Uganda has pledged its support to the Global South Fellowship of Anglicans (GSFA), which prioritizes biblical orthodoxy and mission work.
Archbishop Kaziimba emphasized the need for Anglicans to prioritize child protection and create safe environments within churches.
The GSFA conference in Kigali, Rwanda, reaffirmed the commitment to Resolution 1.10 from the 1998 Lambeth Conference, stating that “homosexual practice is incompatible with scripture.”
The conference also endorsed the “Decade of Discipleship, Evangelism, and Mission” initiative.
In the wake of the child abuse crisis, Archbishop Kaziimba urged Anglicans worldwide to strengthen safeguarding measures and protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, within church communities.
The Church of Uganda has committed to enhancing its child protection protocols and ensuring accountability within its structures.
