By BM
In a thunderous and impassioned opening to the All Clergy Conference 2025, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, lit up the Uganda Christian University (UCU) campus with a clear message: spiritual titles are worthless without a living, active relationship with God.
“Reverend? Canon? Very good for nothing without the Shepherd!” the Archbishop proclaimed, shaking the hall with a sermon that blended Scripture, raw honesty, and a bold challenge to the clergy.
The conference, themed “The Good Shepherd and the Flock of God” (Ezekiel 34:1–31), brings together hundreds of clergy from all 39 dioceses of the Church of Uganda for four days of worship, teaching, and reflection. But the Archbishop didn’t wait long to stir the waters.
Calling Out “Title Addiction”
Standing before a sea of robes and collars, Archbishop Kaziimba questioned the spiritual weight of clerical ranks, criticizing those who cling to their designations instead of clinging to Christ.
“Don’t lose hope because someone else is a canon and you are not,” he said. “God did not call you to a title, He called you to serve. Without Him, even your experience is ‘very good for nothing.’”
He drew laughter and sharp introspection from the audience as he recounted how even bishops and senior clergy have become obsessed with their own importance.
“You ordained the reverends and made a canon. But don’t just say canon—say Reverend Canon, because titles are now currency! Meanwhile, the flock is starving.”
Feed the Cow, Defend the Church
Using the striking metaphor of a cow to represent the Church’s flock, Archbishop Kaziimba urged leaders to feed their congregations with sound doctrine — not empty rituals, ego, or heretical teachings.
“You must know what is good food and what is poison. Today, we have a lot of heretical teachings. If you don’t know what you’re feeding the cow, you’re leading it to death.”
He added with urgency, “It is your duty, and mine, to protect the cow — to defend the Church from spiritual junk food.”
Football and Faith Collide
In a humorous yet powerful analogy, the Archbishop turned to football to illustrate God’s divine timing, referencing Uganda’s underdog win over South Africa in a recent match.
“South Africa was stronger. But at 8:08, Uganda had won — in extra time! That’s how God works. He’s not late. He shows up when everyone else has given up.”
He warned clergy against abandoning their mission mid-match, saying, “Never decide to shoot at your own goal just because things get tough. Don’t support the enemy!”
God: The Only Source of Real Power
Time and again, Archbishop Kaziimba returned to the core of his message: titles don’t grant power — God does.
“Your spiritual energy doesn’t come from being called ‘Very Reverend.’ It comes from the Holy Spirit. Don’t be fooled, the guns and the gowns are sweet, but they cannot save you.”
He concluded with a rallying cry: “Stand up for your Church. Stand up for the truth. The Lord is with us even until the last minute.”
About the Conference: The 2025 All Clergy Conference runs from August 19 to 22 at Uganda Christian University, Mukono. It features keynote speeches, workshops, and panel discussions on clergy well-being, discipleship, leadership, and the role of the Church in education and mission. This year’s theme, “The Good Shepherd and the Flock of God”, is based on Ezekiel 34:1–31.
