DIOCESE OF SOUTH RWENZORI
CHURCH OF UGANDA

BISHOP'S ADDRESS TO THE CLERGY BUSINESS MEETING HELD ON MARCH 31, 2005

Introduction:

I wish to explain the work of the Diocesan Council to you all.

Their main task today is to form Boards which help them to carry out their responsibilities. The Council is the standing Committee of the Synod.

The duties of the Council include:

To prepare Agenda for the Synod
To implement decisions made by the Synod mainly through the Boards
To receive views, complements, reports, requests, ideas, etc from Parishes, schools, Hospitals and filter them be taking them to the Synod for discussion. We also receive similar communication from the Province and carry them to the Synod.
Formulating Diocesan policy and present drafts to Synod for approval.
Educate the population or congregations on Church policy, and Church doctrine.
Mobilizing material and Human resource development in the Diocese. And general planning for the Diocese and accounting for Church resources especially finances and assets.
Supervise, monitor, and evaluate all programmes, activities going on in the Diocese.
The Diocesan Council plays the role of bridging between the population and the Synod and the Province and the Government plus all other NGOs.
Formulate and review different syllabi used for teaching especially Christian Education in the Diocese. This includes the liturgy and how it serves our people in their context. ETC.

The work on their shoulders is really much and heavy; that is why they are authorised to put in place different Boards to help them in their work. Board members must be elected from Synod members; but Boards are allowed to co-opt selected gifted / skilled individuals from outside Synod if they so wish.

DIOCESAN 10 YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN

In order to be focussed as a Diocese, we decided that we formulate a service and Development programme which will guide us in the next 10 years. Parishes, Health Centres and schools have started submitting their proposals and the Diocesan Development Officer is compiling them. This 10 year plan will include the Bishop's vision as outlined in his charge at Consecration and Enthronement. We need to remember our Diocesan Mission Statement and Vision.

Mission Statement (summarised)

Bringing people to Jesus Christ to receive His gift of salvation, and enjoy full life while growing in Faith and in Union with Christ. Their life is transformed and they enthusiastically go out to share God's love with others.

Vision

People that are physically, spiritually, socially, and mentally healthy and rely on Jesus Christ, in full hope for everlasting life.

Theme: Our overall theme for our 10 year plan is BUILDING - Building on the existing foundation (Corinthians 3:10-11).

Areas of focus: The building activities will be concentrated in the following areas.

(A)

HUMAN BEINGS

Physically Physically Spiritually Spiritually

? Stature ? Health relationships ? Grow in faith ? Acquire skills

? Health ? Firm marriages/
families ? Practice/live
the Gospel ? Exposure

? Economically ? Widen links ? Spontaneous worship

? Harmonious
Communities

? Respect for Human Rights

? Contribute to Globalization

(B)

CHURCH REVENUE BASE

Strengthen tradition Sunday basket
Introduce Tithing	? Free will
	? Policy Tithing on salary earners
Establish income generating activities
Enlarge list of partners in mission (Donors + well wishers)
Step up security	? for workers and believers
	? for assets and property

(C)

INFRASTRUCTURE

Churches
Schools and Training Centres
Health Centres
Messiah Radio
Establish a shopping Centre
Establish a Diocesan Estate (Habitat)
Water sources + distribution lines

(D)

INSTITUTIONAL TOOLS

Church policy on: Leadership, Staffing, Management, and Conduct Health, Mission , Education, etc. Partnership Assets and Property Faith and Liturgy History and information management system Vision, Diocesan strategic work plan

ACHIEVEMENTS -- 6 July 2003 to 6 Feb. 2005

Bishop visited USA , UK , Kenya , & Nigeria
Acquisition of 6 cars and 1 lorry, and 1 motorcycle for the Diocese + a 40 ft container full of relief items
Over 5 new links established
Child Development Centres increased from 5 to 10
A mini expansion of Messiah Radio
Ordination of 16 new Deacons and filling all Parishes with Clergy
Held several workshops, seminars, and conferences for staff and Christians
Some restructuring at Bishop's office in the planning and Youth offices
Held Synod plus Health policy approved
Sent some staff on short courses in U.K, Kenya, Tanzania, and Kampala
Hosted 15 visitors from USA - new link
Received a gift of two solar panels
Renovated office block
Modeled some schools - performance is up now
Establishment of HIV/AIDS Desk

MAIN CHALLENGES

Found debt of over 100 million shillings in office and not yet paid
Staff still go without salary for several months because Parish remittances still very poor

FUTURE PLANS:

Roof Cathedral by December 2005
Expand Messiah Radio by December 2005
Purchase a lorry for the Diocese by December 2005 (on a loan)
Start brick making project at the Diocese
Canonize 10 Priests
Visit the Holy land (Israel) and India
Lease/Secure land Title for Cathedral land
Secure more plots in Kasese Town
Continue with construction work at Kamaiba Conference and Training Centre
Start writing the History of Christianity/Church in South Rwenzori Diocese
Start an Association of Elderly people
Appoint 5 voluntary school inspectors for Church of Uganda founded schools and establish inspectorate Centres.
Build Gravity water system in Kaghorwe Parish
Clear all land cases which are in court(s)
Launch a new (amalgamated) Lhukonzo Hymn book

Once again thank you for coming.

Signed,

Rt. Rev. Jackson Nzerebende Tembo
BISHOP, South Rwenzori Diocese

Back

DIOCESE OF SOUTH RWENZORI CHURCH OF UGANDA