Beyond the Sin, lies the Soul: Why the Church welcomed Mpuuga’s Celebration.

There has been a lot of noise and chatter on social media streets as a result of the Nyendo-Mukungwe parliamentarian, Mathias Mpuuga, organizing a Thanksgiving mass and inviting the Catholic Church prelates to preside over it.

At the centre of this noise is the critique from different political enthusiasts and part-timing pious chatterboxes castigating the church in protest that it (the church) is erroneous and sets a bad precedence to grace such a function organized by a “sinner” as per their judgment.

Despite the different allegations of a public scandal in which Mpuuga apparently got involved, the church sparked controversy by proceeding with the celebrations, celebrating a grand mass amidst numerous social media whispers and uncoordinated speeches.

One with proper knowledge of the church’s modus operandi, its tenets, and its canons sees it clear that the church has no fault or sinister dealings in regard to this controversial issue.

The church, though a leadership abode, is not a political instrument. Many unconsciously forget the difference and end up confusing the two.

On canonical grounds, Canon 213 states, “the Christian faithful have the right to receive assistance from the sacred pastors in their spiritual needs.” As such, the church has the onus of extending spiritual support, such as mass, to all its faithful, including the controversial Mpuuga. In addition, Canon 267 keeps on beckoning people to come to conversion and repent. Who knows if the Thanksgiving mass was an avenue for Mpuuga’s inward conversion? Do we know if his intent was to make a public apology on this grand celebration? If Mpuuga required an exorcism of his alleged “corruption demon,” don’t you think denying him mass as an avenue of deliverance would lock him outside salvation? The focus of the church is the soul, which is always in need of redemption.

On the other hand, the church law stipulates well what may impend its members from receiving this nicety, the sacrifice of mass. When one is excommunicated, in moments of sacramental interdiction, or confirmed to be persistent in grave sin as well as disobedient to the church’s teaching, he or she may be denied the Mass. Considering all these, it is clear that the legislator passed the test, thus being worthy of this celebration of mass.

The church’s position on this issue is grounded in its moral principles of mercy and compassion. The church is a beacon of mercy and compassion, open to all sinners who seek redemption, pardon and mercy. It does not act as a judge. Pope Francis has always emphasized the importance of mercy and compassion, encouraging the clergy to be receptive and inclusive of all in their mission. Mercy is the fundamental aspect of the church’s life. The church, recognizing and acknowledging the frailty of its clientele, teaches forgiveness and reconciliation. It is an unceasing voice that encourages sinners to seek pardon and have a fresh beginning. In this case, if the castigating party looks at Mpuuga as a sinner, then this is the right point they have to consider to bring him back to the fold of the church.

All sinners have their future, and saints have their past too. The church therefore believes in the possibility of redemption for all, regardless of their past mistakes. It is mother. As a mother pardons her children, so does the church.

The Thanksgiving mass might have been the opportunity for Mpuuga, who also doubles as a sinner in their judgment, to make a personal conversion and repentance. Who can tell if this was a moment of repentance? As the church, it is incumbent on it to offer spiritual guidance to its members to overcome their struggles and grow in faith. The church, being inclusive in nature, welcomes all, regardless of their past, to participate in religious celebrations and seek growth in their spirituality. It is mother to its upright and vicious children.

Just as we have always seen different church leaders grace events organized by leaders the world has branded as corrupt and scandalous, it is the same case with this. It is funny that it is in this case that we draw a line. We need not politicize the church in its mission of saving humanity. Political battles should be fought using other means.

Conclusively, therefore, the church’s decision to grace and preside over the controversial Member of Parliament’s Thanksgiving mass is rooted in its canons and moral principles. Through its manifestation of mercy, compassion, and inclusivity, the church demonstrates its sturdy pledge to its redemptive mission. Its decision serves to remind us that it is a place of healing and salvation, a refuge for those marginalized and shunned by society, a place where we are welcome in our fragile nature to seek forgiveness and start anew.