Understand the reason behind your calling: Bishop Zoreka Said
The bishop of the diocese of Kinkizi Rt. Rev. Dan Zoreka has called upon clergy canon to understand the reason behind their calling to be canons in the church of God saying the main aim is for them to bear fruits and be good examples in their service.
He said this while opening a one day retreat for clergy canons and those newly elected clergy canons at Ngoto Island Tourism Hub – Bwindi. The one day retreat had Rev. Canon Bernard Bagaba and Rev. Canon Charles Busingye as facilitators.
The newly elected clergy canon are Rev Peace Nuwamanya Tumwebaze of Kishenyi COU Parish and Rev Lawrence Birohozo of Burora COU Parish who will ordained Canons this Sunday 7th Nov 2021, at a function at St Peter’s cathedral Nyakatare.
Bishop Dan Zoreka revealed that these two were elected by him and seconded by the diocesan synod that sat on May 28th 2021.
Having been preachers of the gospel in this ordained ministry, the bishop informed the clergy canons that they are getting the title of canon as a testimony that God is pleased with their service and urged them to remain faithful to God in ministry and be more committed to His calling.
He said that the choice of the two clergy to be given the title of canon followed the provincial canons of the church of Uganda that requires a clergy to be 40 years and above, having served for at least ten years, having made a good contribution in the life of the church, faithful, of good conduct and commands respect, ethical and capable of good judgment among others.
The term canon, from a Hebrew-Greek word meaning “cane” or “measuring rod,” passed into Christian usage to mean “norm” or “rule of faith.” The Church Fathers of the 4th century ce first employed it in reference to the definitive. The Greek word ‘kanoniko” literally meaning a member of certain bodies subject to ecclesiastical life or rule. The title of canon is usually given to senior parish priests as a largely honorary title. It is usually awarded in recognition of long and dedicated service to the diocese.
Canons in the Anglican Church are an equivalent to a monsignor in the Roman Catholic Church.
