Kampala, Uganda - THE Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, has expressed worry over the future of the Catholic Church, which he said is on the decline, especially in the developed world.
Bukenya said the decline is not only in numbers, but also in commitment. "It is only in Africa and Latin America that our Church still enjoys ascendancy," he said.
"Whereas no more churches are being constructed in Europe, old ones are being turned into museums or supermarkets," he added.
Bukenya's message was read by the economic monitoring state minister Peter Kagimu Kiwanuka during the commissioning of the Kasozi Parish Church in Rakai town on Sunday.
Bukenya noted that there was need to build on the successes enjoyed in Africa, which would strengthen the Church.
"The future, which I envisage for the Church, lies not only in evangelisation, but also in material development of our followers. The Government and the Church must help our people to experience real change from peasant lifestyle to modern living," he stressed.
Bukenya said when people are economically empowered, they will be better committed followers of the Church.
He called upon the political leaders to identify activities which can generate income and ensure food security for the people.
Kiwanuka urged the people of Rakai to donate towards God's work. He called upon women to stop bewitching their husbands to win their love.
"It is your behaviour that will help you be loved by your husband," Kagimu said.