As we gather to welcome the New Year, I extend my heartfelt greetings to our new team at the cathedral. Your support for this team is vital as we embark on our journey together in faith and service.

Reflection on Last Year's Theme

In 2024, our focus was on the compelling message from Romans 12:1-2: "Do not conform to the standards of this world." This theme served as a call to stand firm in our faith, resisting the pressures of an ever-changing society.

Provincial Theme for 2025

This year, we embrace the theme from Galatians 6:9: "Imitating God's goodness by doing good." The Apostle Paul encourages us to focus on divine examples rather than being distracted by earthly influences.

Key Points from the Sermon:

1. The Call to Goodness:

   • Paul’s message to the Galatians reminds us to continue doing good despite external pressures.
   • Galatians 6:9 (NIV) declares: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

2. Characteristics of Goodness:

   • Goodness is reflected in our character through:
     • Righteousness
     • Justice
     • Faithfulness to God’s promises
     • Forgiveness
   • James 1:17 (NIV) tells us: "Every good and perfect gift is from above." God is unchanging and continually bestows goodness upon us.

3. Unity and Respect:

   • We are called to stand together as one community, transcending divisions of party, religion, or tribe.
   • Let us respect and support one another, recognizing our differences as part of God’s creation.

4. Social Responsibility:

   • I urge everyone to take a stand against land grabbing, especially on church lands.
   • We must also be vigilant against the exploitation of our people abroad. History has shown us the dangers of forced labor; we must not allow this to happen again.

5. Creating Opportunities:

   • Let us strive to create jobs and opportunities for our fellow Ugandans, fostering a spirit of self-sufficiency.

6. Adopting Children:

   • I call upon all Christians to consider adopting children from Sanyu Babies Home. We must ensure that these children are cared for and do not fall into the hands of those who may not have their best interests at heart.

7. New Year Resolution:

   • As we begin this New Year, let us resolve to imitate God by doing good in our daily lives.

As we move into 2025, let us commit ourselves to the pursuit of goodness, reflecting God's love and grace in all that we do. Together, we can create a community that embodies the values of righteousness, justice, and compassion. May this year be filled with blessings as we strive to do good in every aspect of our lives. 

Amen.