“So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Matthew 10:26-28

Every year on the 16th of February, many Anglicans make the pilgrimage to the small town of Mucwini, located in the district of Kitgum, Northern Uganda to commemorate the death of the Ugandan martyr, Archbishop Janani Luwum who met his untimely demise at the hands of the former Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin.

Recently the Hollywood movie, “The Last King of Scotland,” portrayed the volatile nature of Amin whose oppressive regime brutally destroyed anything that challenged his authority. Such threats included the Christian church resulting in the death of many Christian believers during his time in power.

While many Christian leaders fled Uganda to seek protection during this tumultuous period in Ugandan history, Luwum stayed behind ignoring the pleas of both the community and his wife to pursue safety outside the country. In response to such requests he was reported to have said, “Only those who are guilty run.”

Instead of abandoning those whom he was ordained to lead, Luwum continued to fearlessly speak out against the horrific actions carried out by Amin’s regime, to plea for the release of those who unjustly found themselves in conflict with the national security forces, and began a welfare relief program for those families and individuals who could not go back to their homes in fear that they would be abducted and/or killed by the government.

However, on Feburary 16th, 1977, two years before Amin would be ousted; Amin’s regime grew weary of Luwum’s opposition and ordered the death of the Archbishop sending him home to be with the Almighty God. He was then laid to rest on the grounds of an Anglican church in Mucwini; the place he called home. Luwum lived standing beside the broken, the hungry, the hurt, and the oppressed and as a result payed the ultimate sacrifice to do so, his life.

While the oppression of Idi Amin is no more in Uganda, the message Luwum left behind is still poignant given the current suffering and destruction resulting from over 21 years of civil war in the north. Throughout the conflict, the Ugandan church has been posed with the question as to what their role should be in resolving the crisis. Some like Amin feel as though the church should altogether refrain from becoming involved with those issues that fall along political lines and instead should practice a strict adherence to the separation of church and state. Many proponents of such a stance support this position by saying that the business of the church is only that of the soul and all other matters are to be dealt with solely by elected government officials. However history has showed what happens as the church becomes a passive bystander and even at times a facilitator of gross injustices as witnessed both in World War II and the Rwandan genocide of 1994.

Believing in the great potential of the church, others like Ugandan Rev. Dr. Henry Okullu take a different stance and state that, “the primary duty of the church is to pray and work for peace and reconciliation among men hence the realization of Gods kingdom here on earth.” Such a proactive position is rooted in the teachings of Christ for the bible makes it clear God’s stance on what the role of the Christian church should be regarding a world full of injustice.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus fearlessly spoke out against the evil in this world and gave a voice to the voiceless such as women and children. He knew the risks of standing up for the oppressed, yet out of His love for all of mankind, He never wavered and continued to stand up for truth and justice even though he knew it would cost Him his life. It was the ultimate sacrifice He was willing to make for each and every one of us.

Today in Uganda, others are following in the footsteps of those like Archbishop Janani Luwum whom, inspired by their faith are tirelessly working on behalf of those they are called to lead despite the impending risks. One such group is the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI). Since 1997, the religious leaders from the 4 major religions (Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, and Muslim) in the sub-Acholi region of northern Uganda united for the common cause to lead their flocks out of the violent conflict that has devastated the region. These actors have undertaken numerous peace building activities which adhere to their commitment to finding a lasting non-violent resolution to the conflict. Their unique and creative approach to advocacy has helped bring the much needed international attention to the forgotten war and their courage to meet in the bush with LRA leaders to encourage dialogue between rebel and government leaders is undeniably inspiring. While such initiatives have also brought hardships to the leaders such as at times being labeled, “rebel collaborators” and one even being injured in the crossfire, they continue to this day to press forward in their pursuit of holistic peace for all of Uganda. Like the good shepherd, when the wolves come to attack, they did not run away in fear but instead courageously meet them head on.

Rev. Gatkouth Chol Bol, of Sudan said, “God created mankind to live in a state of peace, and He is working to restore us to this condition in our hearts, souls, minds, strength, and relationship.” Wherever you are in the world, as ambassadors of Christ, each and every one of us has a part to play in the pursuit of peace. There is an Ethiopian proverb that says, “when spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” If we all join together like the religious leaders of northern Uganda to stand up for those who are oppressed and experiencing grave injustices, surely the enemy who comes to steal and destroy all that is good will have no power against us. But when we become apathetic and do not act because among other reasons, it might disrupt our current level of comfort, the enemy has us right where he wants us. As the people in biblical times waited for the great liberator what would free them from Roman oppression, Jesus Christ showed us that indeed we all can be actors in the pursuit of peace if we let Him work through us. May we all be stirred to action and step out despite our fears confidently knowing that the Christ will never forsake us or leave us as we labor for the Kingdom of God here on earth.

Peace be with you now and always.