Updated
Very little progress appears to have been made in obtaining any public statement by Anglican leaders anywhere against the proposed legislation. But see update below.
Meanwhile the latest news report is Museveni warns against homosexuality.
The latest Church Times report is Ugandans clarify view on gay Bill by Pat Ashworth.
Warren Throckmorton now reports Exodus opposes Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2009: Open letter to the President of Uganda.
Earlier, he had written How the Anti-Homosexuality Bill could impair AIDS progress in Uganda.
Dr Throckmorton and Andrew Marin have organised a Uganda World Prayer Day.
Update
The Anglican Church of Canada’s Council of General Synod has passed the following resolution (scroll to the very bottom of the page):
*Resolution
COGS passed a resolution that expressed its dismay and concern over the draft proposed anti-homosexuality bill currently before the parliament of Uganda. COGS resolved to call upon the church of the province of Uganda to oppose this private member’s bill, and called upon the Government of Canada, through the Minister of External Affairs, to convey to the government of Uganda a deep sense of alarm about this fundamental violation of human rights and through diplomatic channels, to press for its withdrawal; and asked the Primate to send this message to the appropriate bodies.
Deep silence from liberal bishops everywhere. Only Exodus International speaks out!
Is there some sort of Pius XII reasoning behind this silence? Bishop Sentamu says he will not be saying anything. Could he at least tell us why?
A paralysed and dreadful silence. They will pay for this.
The Council of General Synod (COGS) of the Anglican Church of Canada has weighed in. See the last item on this page: http://news.anglican.ca/news/stories/2125
(The Council of General Synod acts for the General Synod between its triennial meetings, and thus speaks for the highest level of governance for the Anglican Church of Canada.)
“The future of Uganda is in the hands of you young people,” Mr Museveni said. “I implore you young people to have love for your nation and embrace patriotism, discard sectarianism, tribalism and religious bigotry.”
Glad to see Mr Museveni is against religious bigotry.
Thanks Nom de Plume I have added that link to the main article above.
Box Turtle Bulletin links the ABY with one of the most prominent Ugandan pastors. I have no idea if this is accurate – nor if this is part of why he is not saying anything. It is about fifth story down – Jim Burroway ascribes the story to Gayuganda.
http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com
I read Exodus’ letter. I realize opposition is opposition, but I thought the letter had serious issues of its own. Then I read this response in the comments section:
***
Alan Chambers ~ Nov 17, 2009 at 5:28 pm
Just to be even clearer….
Our position at Exodus is that we hate this bill. […]
***
Mr. Chambers makes points in the comments he could have made in the letter. But I’m glad Exodus “is” opposed and is repudiating some of the effects one of its members helped to create.
Let’s all take heart from the prophetic action of Bishop Michael Ingham, and the Anglican Church in Canada, who have just issued a statement (later thread) to the Anglican Church of Uganda – urging them to oppose the proposed legislation. At least one Province of the Communion is mounting an official protest. Deo Gratias!
The Synod of the Diocese of Montreal, meeting this past weekend, passed a motion similar to the CoGS motion, calling on the Primate to express displeasure to the Primate of Uganda and to the Ugandan Ambassador.
The motion passed unanimously after one of the more conservative clergy spoke in favour.
I’ve written the PB, for all the good it will do, and used the words “shame” and “ashamed” to describe her silence, as in she should feel shame and I feel ashamed.
Confrontational? Yes. But this goes beyond just “I don’t like your policy,” this is so patently a barbaric and disgusting legislation that any so-called Christian church – especially in the Anglican tradition! – that doesn’t speak against it is aligning itself with evil! That’s the mildest language I can come up with for this!
I have sent the following letter to Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori and Diocese of Colorado Bishop O’Neill. This is the second letter I have written to Bishop O’Neill. I never heard back from the first one, but hope springs eternal: I have attended Episcopal churches for over 20 years. I am attracted to the Episcopal Church’s wonderful mix of adhering to tradition while being open to God’s continuing transforming presence. I appreciate the Episcopal Church’s commitment to — as expressed in the Baptismal Covenant — “strive for justice and peace among all people [and] respect the dignity of every human… Read more »
In response to my repeated pleas for her to speak out against the Ugandan legislation, this was the response I received from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori’s office: ******************************************* Thank you for your recent email to Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori regarding recent legislation in Uganda. We are grateful for that [sic] you have shared your views with us. The Presiding Bishop, like you, is concerned about this issue. In this particular situation, we must exercise care not to exacerbate targeting of gay and lesbian persons and those who advocate on their behalf. However, there are ways in which we can… Read more »
I am absolutely astounded. Really. “In this particular situation, we must exercise care not to exacerbate targeting of gay and lesbian persons and those who advocate on their behalf.” I . . . just . . . it’s . . . So, by refusing to acknowledge that there is any public support or outcry in TEC, allowing legislation which specifically targets gays and lesbians and those who advocate on their behalf – or even just fail to turn them in – we are somehow alleviating the targeting of said groups? The only thing that this *stupidity* will not exacerbate is… Read more »