Pastor and Worshipper Who Fought During Church Service Reconcile and Hug Before Congregation
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Reverend Canon Richard Ongom and Abim Town Council Waimer Ward Local Council II Chairperson Innocent Oyoo have reconciled one week after a physical fight disrupted a Sunday service at Abim All Saints Church in Uganda.
Hivileo can confirm that the two men made peace on Sunday, October 4, at the same church where the confrontation happened.
The Bishop of the Diocese of North Karamoja, the Rev. Simon Akol Aisu, led the reconciliation in the presence of the congregation and the two men’s families.
The confrontation happened on Sunday, September 27, after Oyoo entered the church and sought to address the congregation about security issues.
He said he was acting on instructions from local security leadership.
However, Rev Canon Ongom challenged his authorisation to address the congregation, leading to a heated verbal exchange.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a physical fight, with the confrontation captured on video and widely shared online.
Both men later filed assault reports with the police. The Church of Uganda also expressed regret over the incident and called for a thorough police investigation while stressing the need to protect the sanctity of the Church.
Oyoo Apologises to Church and Rev Canon Ongom
During Sunday’s service, Oyoo apologised to Bishop Aisu, Rev Canon Ongom, his family and the entire congregation for the confrontation.
He said a magistrate had advised the two sides to return to the church community and resolve their grievances.
“Beginning today, I ask you to forgive me. I pledge to work for the church and sacrifice for the church; I request you to forgive us for what happened,” Oyoo told the congregation.
Oyoo also handed written apology letters to Bishop Aisu and the leadership of Abim All Saints Church.
He said he wrote the letters at the sincere request of his brother, Jimmy Ochero.
While maintaining that he intended to communicate important security information, Oyoo acknowledged that his approach was inappropriate and promised to follow the proper channels in future.
Also Read: Chaos in Church as Pastor Bites Worshipper During Physical Fight
Bishop Calls for Forgiveness
Bishop Aisu used the reconciliation to urge the two leaders and the congregation to embrace forgiveness and begin a new chapter.
“We are asking for forgiveness, remorsefulness, and your willingness to walk a new journey,” the bishop said.
He also highlighted the responsibility of religious leaders to promote peace and harmony within the community.
In a symbolic gesture, Rev. Canon Ongom embraced Oyoo in front of the congregation, marking the end of their public dispute.
Abim District NRM Chairperson Obin Engorok also welcomed the reconciliation, saying it had opened a positive new chapter for the church and the wider community.
“Unity is strength,” Engorok remarked.
Public React to Reconciliation
The reconciliation also sparked reactions on social media, with some users welcoming the decision while others made light of the events that led to the fight.
Margie commented that the LC II chairperson “doesn’t look apologetic.”
Okello tweeted that the two men should have settled the matter differently, writing, “Better option would have been to first put them in an empty football pitch and they fight it out. Then reconciliation comes afterwards.”
Allan focused on the pastor’s reaction during the reconciliation, saying, “Reverend secretly celebrating he’s win 🤣 with a smile.”
Naturinda wrote, “This is the right way to solve small issues like this instead of going to court.”
Godwin, however, suggested that the reconciliation may not erase what happened, saying, “They can forgive buh they can’t forget.”
Muhasa wrote, “That is how real men resolve conflicts.”
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Photo of Ugandan pastor in a fight with a Worshipper during a church service at All Saints Church Abim
PHOTO/Screen grab