By Our Reporters
SOROTI
Two priests of Soroti Catholic Diocese have quit the church to join the Eastern Catholics Orthodox.
The shocking revelation was revealed to hundreds of catholic faithful’s in Soroti Catholic Diocese by the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Eciru Oliach on Tuesday while celebrating Chrism Mass at St. Patrick’s Parish Madera where over 70 priests had gathered to renew their priesthood vows.
In his Address, Bishop Eciru said that it was sad that two of his Priests had quit the religion.
“It’s sad to say it here but I have to say that two of our brothers have left us and are now with the Orthodox religion of Bishop Jacinto Kibuuka. I have contacted both priests but they have told me they now belong there,” the Sorrowful Bishop said.
Bishop Kibuuka was expelled from the Catholic faith two years ago after he disobeyed orders from the archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga. Following the expulsion, Kibuuka set up the Mamre International prayer Center in Namugongo under the supervision of the Evangelical church. Bishop Kibuuka was later installed as the leader of the Orthodox Church in Uganda.
The two Priests are Rev. Fr. Simon Peter Elweu who has been in formation since 2019 after he was suspended from the Church by then Soroti Catholic Diocese Bishop now the Archbishop of Tororo Archdiocese, His Grace Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Obbo over unclear circumstance and Rev. Fr. Deogracious Opio who has also been in formation from 2019 after being on suspension.
Both Priests were summoned back in 2019 by Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach were taken for formation in Kampala and after their formation they were supposed to return back to the diocese but both priests have declined to return to the diocese.
According to Bishop Eciru, both priests haven’t given him clear reasons as to why they have quit the church.
“I even talked to Fr. Simon Elweu but he says he now belongs to Orthodox. I want to confirm to you my flocks that the two priests are no longer in communion with us and whoever deals with them deals at their own risk. They are not supposed to be in our Presbyterian territories,” said Bishop Eciru.
He has however asked Christians to take care of the Welfare, health and pray for them because God has chosen the few to save the world.
“Priests are also human beings so they need your prayers. Kindly forgive us if we have wronged you. Let us make peace now and let us be renewed”.
But while contacted for a comment, Fr. Elweu told this website without divulging details that he belongs to the Orthodox and that there is no need for alarm.
