Ntagali urges clergy to pursue higher education
He also urged religious leaders to preach inclusively, serving all members of their communities rather than focusing their ministry on the wealthy.
Ankole: The Emeritus Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, His Grace Stanley Ntagali, has challenged priests to broaden their knowledge and academic qualifications so they remain ahead of their congregations.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service for Ven. Rev. Dr. Azaria Mwebembezi, Archdeacon of Kibatsi Archdeaconry in the South Ankole Diocese, Archbishop Ntagali observed that many members of the laity today are more educated than their priests, with several holding PhDs, master’s, and other advanced degrees.
The service was held at Kibatsi Archdeaconry to celebrate Dr. Mwebembezi’s recent graduation with a PhD in Business Administration (MBA) from Kabale University. The event was led by the South Ankole Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Nathan Ahimbisibwe, and Ven. Rev. Canon Yoram Ntoreine, the Archdeacon of Kitunga.
In his sermon, Archbishop Ntagali emphasized the importance of continuous learning in ministry, saying further studies enable clergy to remain relevant and understand broader social, economic, and technological developments.
“Our priests should not rely only on what they studied years ago in theological schools. Today, some of your parishioners are experts in artificial intelligence and other advanced fields. You must enrich your knowledge to minister effectively,” Ntagali said.
He also urged religious leaders to preach inclusively, serving all members of their communities rather than focusing their ministry on the wealthy.
Bishop Nathan Ahimbisibwe commended Dr. Mwebembezi for his academic achievement and dedication to ministry, urging him to apply his knowledge to transform the community and strengthen the Church’s mission.
“Many of our priests and lay readers have enrolled in universities, and this is commendable. We need an informed clergy that can address today’s challenges,” Bishop Ahimbisibwe noted.
In his remarks, Ven. Rev. Dr. Azaria Mwebembezi and his wife, Kiconco Rosette, thanked God for enabling him to complete his doctoral studies and pledged to use his knowledge to advance the Gospel.
Dr. Mwebembezi also expressed gratitude for surviving the COVID-19 pandemic, which struck as he began his studies.
The thanksgiving service was attended by several dignitaries, including Prof. John Mugisha Katekyeza, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Stuart University, Gen. Jim Wills Byarugaba, and Bildard Baguma, the Diocesan Head of Laity, among others.
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