The relevance of small christian communities to the Church: A case study, Kamuli Parish (Diocese of Jinja)

Abstract

Small Christian communities in Kamuli parish herein are evaluated in the light of scripture, the cultural context and the lived experience. SCCs have been established and are progressing steadily. The work therefore, informs and encourages those committed to the vocation of building SCCs and at the same time , clarify the doubts of many who are still wondering whether this is not just another passing idea, or at best a dream that cannot come true. The primary objective of any SCC is to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God.

The results focus on a change of heart, realization of convictions, and commitment among the adherents, if the work is appropriately done. SCCs have been in Kamuli parish for ten years. However, a reflection on Kamuli parish portrays a growing decline in conviction and commitment among her faithful where by people do not attend church services like the way they used to do. And given the new denominations, many former Catholics have fled to join the new religious denominations. This state of affairs would imply the existence of some loopholes in the evangelical task of the Catholic Church, which calls for investigation to facilitate the Catholic Church in maintaining her faithful through good evangelization aided by the SCCs.

Jinja Diocese needs to take action about small Christian communities. For this is a diocese with a large population whose standards in faith are deplorable. Evangelization is still wanting. Not many people are convinced of their catholic faith.

Deeper evangelization of the Diocese will depend on the faith of the people. This is so because the church is the people. Hence, the faith of people is the faith of the church in Jinja diocese. It is thus of paramount importance that the people be catechized with ongoing programmes. That is why this research has been narrowed down to the Christians of Kamuli parish in order to have a better picture of how SCCs function for a better trend of faith.

Small Christian communities are better aid to the church today. They are a local church in its fullest sense as exposed by Dr. Joseph Obunga, (2003, p.1) in reading the signs of time and space.

As a matter of fact, small Christian communities in the Busoga local settings are called ‘AKABONDO’ – from the English word jigger meaning larval mite that sucks the blood of vertebrates including human beings causing intense irritation. This was positively connected to mean togetherness of the people for better benefit.

It is time to take on small Christian communities in order to ease work for the Priests and Religious of our time.