A Christmas Message from the Chairman of Uganda Episcopal Conference (UEC), Bishop Antony Zziwa
As we celebrate this joyful Christmas season, I urge the faithful to reflect deeply on the significance of family, which remains the bedrock of both society and the Church. In his Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis beautifully reminds us that “The couple that loves and begets life is a true, living icon… capable of revealing God the Creator and Saviour” (Amoris Laetitia, par. 11). The holy family of Nazareth—our model of peace, love, and service—reminds us of the profound importance of nurturing strong, loving families.
Building and sustaining strong families in today’s world is more challenging than ever. The pressures of modern life—technological advancements, economic hardship, violence, lack of parental guidance, and misinterpretations of human sexuality—are taking a toll on families. We are witnessing increasing family disintegration, with many children left without adequate parental support, leading to disillusionment and harmful outcomes. Tragically, some parents, overwhelmed by frustration, have turned to violence, causing harm to innocent children. We must all work together to address these issues, restore the dignity of the family, and uphold the rights of children, including those in single-parent households.
The role of government in protecting the family is essential. Our national Constitution (Article 31) guarantees the right of men and women to marry and affirms that marriage should be between a man and a woman, both aged 18 or older, with equal rights. We also have several laws to support family stability, such as the Marriage Act, the Customary Marriage (Registration) Act, the Marriage and Divorce of Mohammedans Act, and the Hindu Marriage Act. These laws are designed to strengthen the family and ensure stability in society. However, we must be vigilant in safeguarding the core values of the family institution and avoid laws that undermine its foundation. During this Christmas season, let us also pray for our nation, Uganda, as we face various social, political, economic, and environmental challenges. Unemployment, political division, interference with the lawful activities of political groups, and growing poverty continue to hinder our progress. Christmas offers us an opportunity to commit these struggles to God and seek His guidance for our country.
As we celebrate, let us remember the central role of the family as ordained by God (Genesis 1:26-28; 2:18; Mark 10:6-9) and the responsibility of the State and every citizen to protect it for the good of society. We must all contribute to safeguarding the family, ensuring it remains a place of love, support, and stability. Finally, I would like to remind you that the year 2025 has been declared by Pope Francis as a Jubilee Year. This is a time for us to become “pilgrims of hope” and renew our relationships with God, our neighbors, and all of creation (Romans 8:22). I encourage all dioceses to make appropriate plans for this special year, ensuring that believers can experience spiritual renewal, growth, and the full benefits of this Jubilee period. May this Christmas season bring you peace, joy, and a renewed commitment to strengthening the family, the foundation of our society and faith.
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