NGORA – The Rt. Rev. Thomas Edison Irigei of Kumi Diocese has on Sunday, December 29 handed over the ecclesiastical and episcopal authority of the Diocese.
Irigei handed over to the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev Stanley Ntagali in an abdication service held at St Phillip’s Cathedral, Ngora.
The Abdication followed the House of Bishops meeting held on December 14, 2019, at Boroboro in which they resolved to postpone the Consecration and Enthronement of the 2nd Bishop of Kumi Diocese and subsequently formed a commission of inquiry that would look into the matters that arose in the diocese which necessitated the postponement.
The Commission of inquiry is composed of Rt Rev Patrick Gidudu (Mbale Diocese), Rt Rev Samuel Bogere Egesa (Bukeddi Diocese) and Rt Rev George Kasangaki (Masindi-Kitara Diocese).
While quoting 1 Peter 1-3, the Archbishop called upon people of Kumi Diocese to reconcile and avoid any form of evil that will stop them from praising the Lord.
“Put away all malice and deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander. Put away everything that stops you from praising the Lord.” Archbishop Ntagali said.
He appealed to them to be connected and united to the Lord and He will answer whatever they ask.
“When we are reconciled and united, we see God’s Will in the way He desires and not as man desires.” He added.
Archbishop Ntagali added: “The Bible says, may your will be done. That means that whatever we do should reflect what ought to be done in heaven. May God’s Will, be done in Kumi.”
In his remarks as he abdicated the See, Bishop Irigei applauded Archbishop Stanley Ntagali, the House of Bishops, the Clergy, Lay readers and Christians from the Diocese.
“I want to thank the Archbishop for his great brotherly leadership. He has been a friend and a very close person to me. I want to thank him for his Ministry to me and my family especially mobilizing resources for me when I was sick.” Bishop Irigei said.
He noted that he has retired a very happy man without any collision in the House of Bishops and in his Ministry.
The Archbishop then announced the appointment of Retired Bishop of Lango Diocese Rt Rev Charles Odurkami as the Acting Bishop of Kumi Diocese.
In his acceptance speech, he called for unity and steadfastness and pledged to lead the new years’ service in the Cathedral.
The Service which was led by Rt Rev Samuel Bogere Egesa the Bishop of Bukeddi Diocese and Brian Illukor the Kumi Diocesan Chancellor on the Legal part.B
Also in attendance was Rt Rev Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira of Namirembe Diocese.