There was visible excitement among Christians during a colourful ceremony held at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church of Uganda In Soroti City as the diocese commissions 84 lay readers.

Christians from different Archdeaconries in Soroti attended the commissioning singing and dancing as a way of expressing their joy over this development. 

The commissioning was presided over by Rt. Rev. Capt. Kosea Odongo the bishop of the church of Uganda in the Soroti diocese.

Hon Musa Francis Ecweru the Minister of State for works and transport urged lay readers to cling to the Bible while preaching the word of God.

Minister Ecweru encouraged the lay readers to work hard and also engage in Agriculture.
Ecweru donated five million shillings which will be used to start a new SACCO for the lay readers in the Soroti diocese.

Bishop Emeritus Charles Bernard Obaikol  Ebitu was the preacher of the day and he noted that the lay readers were well trained. He also appealed to the youth to train as lay readers.

Obaikol noted that the Lay leaders are very important in the Anglican Church and urged them to love their work, focus on Christ and be confident in themselves.

The Commissioning was done during the bishop’s pastoral visit to St. Peter’s Cathedral in Soroti City. Rt. Rev. Capt. Kosea Odongo, the bishop of Soroti Diocese urged Christians to respect and support the clergy. He thanked the church and Christians for supporting the Ministry of God.

He warned Lay readers saying that those who misbehave will have their license and Robes withdrawn and they seize working for the Church of Uganda.

Last year the church commissioned only 46 lay readers.