Episcopal group denounces anti-gay law in Uganda

From Religious News Service-

A U.S.-based group that includes several Episcopal bishops is challenging Anglican leaders to denounce a proposed bill in Uganda that would severely criminalize homosexuality.

"The Anglican Communion has committed itself to the pastoral care of gay and lesbian people," said the Rev. Lowell Grisham, co-convener of the Chicago Consultation. "At a time like this, we implore its leaders to speak out."

The Chicago Consultation, which includes several Episcopal bishops on its steering committee, is dedicated to the "full inclusion" of gay, lesbian, transgender and bi-sexual individuals in the Anglican Communion and its U.S. branch, the Episcopal Church.

The consultation asked Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, and Uganda's Anglican leader Archbishop Henry Orombi, to speak out against the bill.

Numerous human rights groups have denounced the proposed bill, which was introduced last month (Oct.). The bill would punish "aggravated homosexuality" by death and homosexual contact with life in prison, while outlawing groups that work with gays and lesbians. Under current Ugandan law, "carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature" is punishable by seven years in prison, according to Human Rights Watch.

Earlier this month, the Anglican Church of Canada condemned the proposed bill, saying it would impede human rights in Uganda and "impose excessive and cruel penalties on persons who experience same-sex attraction."

In a Nov. 6 statement the Anglican Church of Uganda said it "cannot support the death penalty," but that "homosexual behavior is immoral and should not be promoted, supported, or condoned in any way." The church also said it was studying the legislation and "therefore, does not yet have an official position on the bill."

The Anglican Communion is sharply divided on homosexuality, leading some national churches, including the Church of Uganda, to break ties with the Episcopal Church, which allows same-sex blessings, and the ordination of gays and lesbians as bishops.

More than 30 former Episcopal congregations have left the Episcopal Church to join the Church of Uganda.

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