The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Onesimus Asiimwe, has cautioned Christians against turning thanksgiving ceremonies into platforms for showmanship and excessive fundraising, saying such events should remain centered on giving glory to God for His blessings, protection, and provision.
Bishop Asiimwe made the remarks on Saturday while presiding over the consecration of St Stephen's Church of Uganda, Nyeibingo and the thanksgiving ceremony of Kebisoni Sub-county Chairperson Frank Mabwa Arinaitwe at St Peter's Mutaturwa Church of Uganda in Rukungiri District.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Asiimwe expressed concern over the growing trend of organizing thanksgiving ceremonies that shift focus from worship to development appeals and public display.
“Everything is given by God, and God desires faith rather than development,” he said.
He emphasized that thanksgiving should remain an act of genuine gratitude to God, warning that pride and self-promotion risk undermining the spiritual purpose of such gatherings.
The Bishop’s wife, Ms Florence Asiimwe, encouraged Christians to safeguard the reputation of the Church and emulate the virtues of Saint Stephen, particularly his courage, repentance, and forgiveness.
During the same event, Arinaitwe said his thanksgiving ceremony was held to thank God for life and for his success in the recent general elections, which saw him elected as LC3 Chairperson. He also mobilized support for church development, raising Shs 10,621,700.
The Lay Leader of St Stephen’s Church of Uganda, Nyeibingo, Dura Matsiko Kambamu, welcomed the consecration of the church, noting that it would strengthen the faith of Christians and support plans to elevate it to parish status.
Church leaders said achieving parish status would improve access to pastoral services, including weddings, baptisms, and Holy Communion, strengthening the church’s ministry in the area.