Archbishops ‘clash over gay unions’

Cape Town — A Kenyan Anglican head has reportedly opposed calls made by his Britain colleagues to recognise gay unions, saying “this would impact negatively on society”. Archbishops of Canterbury and York in Britain wrote to the presidents of Nigeria and Uganda following the passing of laws targeting homosexuals in their countries. The letter called upon the two countries not to victimise or diminish gay people as they were “loved and loved by God”.

But, according to Africa Review, Kenya’s Archbishop Eliud Wabukala said the call made by his counterparts was regrettable as it served “to encourage those who wanted to normalise homosexual lifestyles in Africa and has fuelled prejudice against African Anglicans”.

He said while Christians should always show particular care for those who are vulnerable, it was important to uphold the “whole fabric of Biblical moral teaching in which the nature of marriage and family occupy a central place”.

The issue of homosexuality has swept across the continent, particularly in the last months where more and more countries have cracked down on gays.

In Nigeria last month, President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law a bill which criminalises gay marriage, instituting prison terms of more than a decade for violations in a nation where gays and lesbians already face discrimination and abuse.

In Uganda, a bill allowing for greater punishments for gay people, and those who fail to turn them in to police, was also passed by parliament, but blocked — for now — by President Yoweri Museveni. — News24.