The online battleground has been set ablaze after Apostle Grace Lubega, the lead pastor of Phaneroo Ministries, made controversial remarks about Catholic worship practices. In a now-viral video, Lubega criticized the Catholic tradition of venerating images, particularly those of Mother Mary, labeling it as idolatry that contradicts God’s commandments.
The outspoken preacher argued that while Mother Mary is indeed in heaven, creating and worshipping her images is inappropriate. He went further to claim that Bibles produced under the influence of the Roman Empire have significant omissions, including the commandment that explicitly prohibits making and worshipping idols. According to him, this alteration distorts the true teachings of God.
Catholics Fire Back Online
The video did not sit well with Catholics, who wasted no time voicing their displeasure on social media. Many called out what they perceived as a pattern of Born Again preachers singling out Catholicism for criticism while ignoring other religious practices.
“Why aren’t those guys talking about Indians who worship cows? Every time, nye nye nye, Catholics worshipping idols… ba guys, mutuleke! If we go to hell, let us go. It’s none of your business! You go to your heaven, and we won’t bother you. After all, there’s no beer that side ahhh,” one Catholic quipped on X (formerly Twitter).
Another user echoed the sentiment, saying, “Why does it bother people so much that Catholics worship idols? Let people be! If someone worships clay mixed with sand, why are you bothered? Leave them to their free will. If they go to hell, so be it. Focus on yourself and go to heaven ahhh.”
Others accused the preacher of lacking theological understanding. “That Apostle guy needs to know the difference between veneration and adoration when it comes to the Catholic Church. Otherwise, soon he will lose the little respect some people from other religions had for him. He’s turning from Grace Lubega to Disgrace Lubega,” one user commented.
The clash between Born Again churches and the Catholic Church is nothing new. Many Pentecostal preachers have openly condemned Catholic traditions, branding them as unbiblical. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church rarely engages in public rebuttals, but the tension between the two groups remains palpable.
While Apostle Lubega’s remarks have reignited this age-old debate, one thing is clear—Catholics are not taking the criticism lightly. Whether this controversy will escalate further or fade away remains to be seen. For now, social media remains the battlefield where both sides continue to defend their beliefs with unwavering passion.
