Ugandan Bishop Speaks Against ‘Anti-Homosexuality’ Bill

June 14, 2010 - PRLog -- INTEGRITY USA    http://www.integrityusa.org/
UNITARIAN-UNIVERSALIST – UN OFFICE http://www.uu-uno.org/what-we-do/lgbt/

Media Release

June 14, 2010

Media Contacts:      
Patricia Ackerman    917-488-9929    packerman@uu-uno.org
Ann Craig       213-703-1365   craig@glaad.org

Ugandan Bishop Speaks Against ‘Anti-Homosexuality’ Bill

New York, NY – June 14, 2010 – Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, chaplain of Integrity Uganda, culminates his coast to coast USA speak out against the “anti-homosexuality” bill in Uganda with a consultation at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City with national and international leaders on Monday, June 14.  The bill proposes the death sentence for gay people in Uganda—as well as imprisonment of anyone who does not report someone they suspect of being gay.  

On Sunday, June 13, Bishop Senyonjo preached at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the largest cathedral in the United States.  On June 7, he preached at the Church Center for the United Nations.

“My mentor is St. Paul,” said Bishop Senyonjo.  “Paul was an advocate for a minority in his day—the uncircumcised.  Increasing numbers of Christians read the Bible’s message of love and compassion and know it is clearly wrong to imprison or execute people because of who they love or how they express their gender.”

Bishop Senyonjo, a married, grandfather of 11, and one of the few Ugandan Anglican bishops or priests who strongly condemns the bill, calls it a gross violation of human rights. For his stand, he was stripped of all church responsibilities and financial support by the Anglican Church of Uganda. They stopped short of defrocking him—he is still a bishop.
Instead of bowing to church intimidation, Bishop Senyonjo is speaking out even more strongly for the full humanity of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people as persecution in Uganda increases.

"Bishop Senyonjo is the Desmond Tutu of Uganda," said The Rev. Canon Albert Ogle, Integrity USA's Vice President of International Affairs, "and we support his witness at a time when few oppose what could turn into state-legislated genocide.”

Integrity USA, a 35 year old advocacy group within the Episcopal Church is sponsoring Bishop Christopher’s visit. If the “anti-homosexuality” bill passes, Bishop Senyonjo could be arrested, and Integrity Uganda could be outlawed.