Maravi

(MONITOR UGANDA) Homosexuality forms bulk of Xmas sermons

Homosexuality forms bulk of Xmas sermons
By Monitor Team (email the author)
Posted Saturday, December 26 2009 at 00:00

Religious leaders yesterday condemned homosexuality as they led thousands of Christians in prayers to mark Christmas Day. Bishop of Kampala Archdiocese Cyprian Kizito Lwanga, who led celebrations at Rubaga Cathedral, told hundreds of Christians that homosexuality is immoral and forbidden.

“The Catholic bishops of Uganda applaud the government’s effort to protect families and the church teachings remain clear. Homosexuality acts are immoral and evil and are against the divine laws of nature,” he said.

He added: “The church condemns homosexuality because we were created in God’s image and we must remain that.”

The archbishop attacked donors whom he accused of forcing their harsh positions onto Ugandans desperate for aid.

“We shall not allow acts of homosexuality to be promoted in the country and we shall not accept the donors’ positions,” he said.

He, however, said MP David Bahati’s Bill that seeks to criminalise homosexuality is unnecessary since there are already laws that outlaw the practice.

The clause in the Bill that calls for the death penalty in cases of “aggravated homosexuality” is uncalled for, Dr Lwanga said, adding that it does not allow for rehabilitation.

At St. Paul Cathedral, Namirembe, Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira urged the faithful to oppose all external forces seeking to promote homosexuality in the country, adding that it is against the order of nature.

“We know what we want as Ugandans and we shall not be intimidated to accept homosexuality because it is against the order of nature,” he said, drawing a standing ovation from the congregation that included Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi.

Rev. John Bosco Sendagala, of Christ the King Church, Kampala, said everyone should fight homosexuality. The same call was made by the Bishop of Ankole Diocese, the Rt. Rev Dr. George Tibesigwa.

Voice of ‘dissent’

The only voice of dissent yesterday came from a Ugandan-born clergy but based in the UK. Dr John Sentamu, the archbishop of York, told the BBC that the Anglican Communion was committed to recognising that gay people were valued by God.

Reported by Mercy Nalugo, Ephraim Kasozi, Juliet Kigongo, Lominda Afedraru, Joseph Mazige & Flavia Lanyero

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A reaction here on the Gay Uganda blog.

Labels: HOMOSEXUALITY, UGANDA

posted by MrK @ 9:30 PM