More from Uganda
The unfolding story of the proposed legislation in Uganda that would make some gay and lesbian relationships a capital crime has occupied a great deal of our attention in December.
Christianity Today has an interview with the Assistant Bishop of Kampala in which he talks about how the reactions and coverage in America of the Ugandan deliberations is being received in Uganda:
When Western Christians talk about Ugandan legislation, does that create tension?
I would say to Western Christian leaders, Don't make public pronouncements about legislation in Uganda. If you have relationships, speak to those relationships. Talk to them privately. Ask them, what do you understand this to mean? Do not make any public pronouncements. Any time a Westerner makes a pronouncement in Africa, it seems to imply we don't know what we want. Trust us, engage with us. Don't begin to preach at us. I engage with you, I talk with you, and I leave it to you.Do you think American evangelicals understand Ugandan politics?
I don't fully understand American politics. If I want to engage in an American context, I must talk to my brother and seek to enrich each other and in that way, he can take my conversation to him to the public square. I simply say to Rick Warren or anybody, let's be biblical. God has called Christians in Uganda to be witnesses for Christ in Uganda. We need the support of brothers and sisters all over the world. This is what the Incarnation is about. It is witness that is embodied in culture. It is important to build meaningful relationships with Christians. If I don't have a relationship with Christian leaders in America, I have absolutely no credibility to speak about anything American. I believe there is a Body of Christ in America, and my primary responsibility is to be in fellowship with those believers. With them, we can engage in what is being faithful to God in a missions context.When American Christians speak out on this, do they have an impact on the bill?
They fuel the debate in either direction. On the one hand, if an American Christian speaks publicly in support of the bill, then the liberals say, "Do you see? This is being sponsored by American Christians in Uganda." If a liberal American speaks against the bill, the Christians in Uganda will say, "Do you see? This is an agenda of gays and lesbians in Europe, America and so on." It does not help either way.
Much more here.
Trust us, engage with us.¨ Assistant Bishop of Kampala
How absurd. WE, have been trying to communicate with The Church of Uganda (Anglican Communion) for years. Unfortunately Archbishop Orombi won´t even take Communion with OUR Primate...you might also recall that The Church of Uganda wants NOTHING TO DO with TEC..Heterosexual Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo, Retired bishop of West Buganda, Uganda, was excommunicated by Archbishop Orombi, after establishing a ministry for gay and lesbian believers?
I think it is time that Bishop Orombi and his priests start engaging the REAL WORLD and stop abusing people and spreading fear and hate against LGBT Anglicans and others (and it is).
Archbishop Orombi, WHEN will you denounce the anti-Homosexuality Bill before the Uganda Parliament? You want TRUST? Earn it!
Posted by Leonardo Ricardo![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 28, 2009 11:18 PM
I find amazing how the doctrine of the Incarnation has been misused as a justification to all sorts of things lately.
Posted by Luiz Coelho![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 29, 2009 4:06 PM
On the one hand, if an American Christian speaks publicly in support of the bill, then the liberals say, "Do you see? This is being sponsored by American Christians in Uganda." If a liberal American speaks against the bill, the Christians in Uganda will say, "Do you see? This is an agenda of gays and lesbians in Europe, America and so on." It does not help either way.
What about when conservative Americans (like Rick Warren) speak AGAINST the bill? While I certainly understand how colonialism hurt so many countries around the world, its tragedies cannot be used as a way of never allowing any North American or European to speak out for justice in poorer countries. Most of the time, those North Americans and Europeans are deeply ashamed of past colonialism and actively fighting for a better world. So, that's a broken argument too.
Posted by Luiz Coelho![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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December 29, 2009 4:15 PM