Patriarch Theodoros II, the leader of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa, is the spiritual head of the Greek Orthodox Church in Africa, based in Alexandria, Egypt. Recently, he engaged in an important discussion with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, focusing on fostering religious harmony, unity, and the vital role of faith in promoting peace and development across the African continent.
During the discussions, Patriarch Theodoros expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he and his delegation received, noting the joy the Orthodox Church felt under the leadership of President Museveni. He also mentioned the importance of Metropolitan Jeronymos Muzeeyi, the Archbishop of the Orthodox Church in Uganda, calling him “a father to his eminence.”
The Patriarch emphasized the Orthodox Church’s commitment to respecting both Muslims and Christians, acknowledging the existence of fundamentalism in various forms. He prayed for the continued good health and strength of President Museveni and his wife, Maama, that they may lead Uganda with wisdom and grace.
In response, President Museveni underscored the message that Jesus Christ was clear in his teachings, saying, “Judge what you do, not what you say or claim to be. Those who disturb others in the name of religion are misguided.” He emphasized that even in African culture, there is a strong respect for others’ beliefs.
The President shared a personal example, stating, “I told former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir that my list of haram is much longer than his. I don’t eat fish because I call it a snake, I don’t eat chicken, and there are many other things I refrain from due to our religious practices. But the key difference in African tribes is that even if my neighbor eats what I don’t, we respect one another and live together in peace.”
President Museveni continued, “If I don’t respect someone because they are not from my tribe, then I am an enemy to myself first and foremost. We have little regard for sectarianism because even Jesus did not preach division.”
The meeting was also attended by Uganda’s Vice President, Her Excellency Jessica Alupo, and Archbishop Jeronymos Muzeeyi of the Orthodox Church in Uganda, highlighting the significance of religious cooperation and peaceful coexistence in Africa.
