A section of Ugandans have opposed orders of the Kampala Archbishop Dr Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, banning priests from distributing Eucharist or to receive Holy Communion in the hands.
Lwanga on Sunday issued a decree to guide in the proper celebration of Eucharist. Some of the decrees read;
“Henceforth, it is forbidden to distribute or to receive Holy Communion In the hands. Mother Church enjoins the US to hold the Most Holy Eucharist is the highest honour (Can. 898). Due to many reported instances of dishonouring the Eucharist that has been associated with reception of the Eucharist in the hands, it is lilting to return to the more reverent method of receiving the Eucharist on the tongue,”
However following responses from the social media the public seems to not happy with the new decrees since Priest are also people who may be with infections which may be transmitted directly to their mouth. Other said that Lwanga was going contrary to the holy scriptures.
Here are some of the responses.
Ladit Benison Ebonyu; “He is going contrary with the scripture. The apostles did not receive with their tongues from Jesus ( Matt.26:26), and Jesus said: “I have set for you an example that you should do as I have done for you” ( John 13:15). Read John 13:1- 15, Matt.26:26-29 you will get the real procedures to follow during holy Communion,”
Patrick Tugume “Rituals have nothing to do with the purity of one’s faith. Putting on the tongues may lead to the transfer of diseases like hepatitis.”
Alpha Grace Karakaire “I don’t think Jesus gave it by the tongue, all these are religious rituals created by men. One has to understand that there’s a difference between religion and Christianity.”
Ingabire Gaetano “I think, the bishop should understand better, that’s whether you receive by hand or mouth, the reception is in the heart, your relationship with God.”
Brandon Briton Brain; “I believe the issue is not how you receive it but how ready you’re to get it, only that the Roman church does what it wants and should be implemented, so I don’t agree with him on how you get it, this may not matter,”
Richard Mamgbi “Who handles it to put in people’s tongues? If it’s a Question of hands then, how about, banning the priests from touching it by hand also and allowing God to put it in our tongues. Otherwise, where will he place the popular Mathew 26:26 that he quotes daily?”
Paul Nasali “Corona Virus is waiting. Putting in the hands is a public health measure, not a way of divulging the Catholic doctrine. Traditions and culture are mended in such a way that preserves the norm but protects the populace.”
Theos Gin S Kravel “he needs to be taught about infection prevention and control of diseases because if the priest can touch people’s mouth at once hence disease transmitted.”
Micah Nuwagaba “Soon he will start to serve it using the tongue not hands too. Reception is at the heart not anywhere else. Please differentiate religion from Christianity.”
Sikulimba Shadrack “Let him quote chapter and verse in the Bible that supports that teaching because it is strange teaching. The Pope’s teaching is un-Biblical.”
Johns Lapota “Bishop should think of issues that matter to the community and church this no sense of tongue or hands,”
Ebila Christopher “Madness, it’s just a representation of the last supper the apostles ate and drunk using their hands.”
Steve Iber Babone “The holy scriptures say in Matthew 26:26 “Take and eat, this is my body.”Doesn’t it mean that he gave them and they received by the hand?”
Ndyabagye Victor “Will they administer it by tongue too?”
However, some supported Bishop’s decree saying that he must guide the Catholic church he heads such people included;
Bonny Ntare “In fact, the hostia can only be touched by the priest after rinsing his fingers with holy water. I support the ban.”
Hines Agaba “That is the traditional teaching of the Church. His Grace is right.”
Dean Byamugisha “Not everything is published! What is a decree? Respect the church.”
Sophie Sing “He is Right 100 per cent That is the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ which should be received when your very clean in mind, heart, a soul so some times those hands mba sekakasa and they our beloved lord might remain in your hands and without knowing. put your tongue brethren,”
Manirakiza Robert Mwalimu.“As a Catholic, and based on what I have read from the various sources, sacred theology etc, he is very right, this time let us not rush to castigate or criticise the Archbishop.”
Margaret Amonya “The catechism of the Catholic church thought us so. Bishop is only directing the flock to the right path.”
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