2000

14th June 2000
Anglicans and Catholics United in Martyrdom
The third annual ecumenical service commemorating the Feast of the Ugandan Martyrs will be held tomorrow night (June 15) at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton.

On 3 June 1886, 26 Anglicans and 22 Roman Catholics were burnt, by order of the Ugandan king, because they refused to compromise their common Christian faith and morality.

About five years ago the Australian Anglican and Catholic bishops decided that it was an important ecumenical gesture to celebrate the Feast of the Ugandan Martyrs together.

Monsignor Paul Simms, Chair of the Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission in the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, says that the story of the Ugandan Martyrs is very unique: "Usually martyrs from a single denomination will die for their faith. In the case of the Ugandan Martyrs, two of the largest Christian community share in the Martyrdom of a group of young men. This is a very important symbol for the Ecumenical movement".

According to Monsignor Simms, the Feast of the Ugandan Martyrs challenges all Christians to stand up for their faith. "The Ugandan Martyrs were 'ordinary' Christians - not theologians or bishops - in service of the King's court. They stood up for their faith together. Being prepared to defend our faith together is an important symbol of and mission for the churches today".

The Ecumenical service for the Feast of the Ugandan Martyrs will be attended by Anglican Bishop Roger Herft and Catholic Bishop Michael Malone. The service begins at 7.00 pm at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton.

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