'Defrock Ssenyonjo'

MEMBERS of the Namirembe Diocesan Council yesterday proposed that gay rights advocate retired Bishop of West Buganda, Dr. Christopher Ssenyonjo, be defrocked, reports Joyce Namutebi. Members also said Ssenyonjo should no longer be referred to as bishop. However, it was agreed that the matter be referred to the Provincial Assembly which has a tribunal with the power to defrock Ssenyonjo. The Council also resolved that Ssenyonjo should not preach in any church, lead any service, wed any couples, carry on baptisms and confirmation in the diocese. However, the council resolved that Mrs. Ssenyonjo was still a full member of the Mothers Union since there was no proof that she was involved in gay activities. The President of Mothers Union, Mrs Joyce Kikomeko, had sought advice from the Bishop of Namirembe, Rev. Samuel Balagadde Ssekadde, regarding her member. The resolutions were reached in a meeting held in the Namirembe Synod Hall and chaired by Ssekadde. The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Livingstone Nkoyooyo, recently banned Ssenyonjo from preaching in any church in the Church of Uganda. The Namirembe meeting attended by Reverends, Christians, departmental heads and Diocesan Chancellors Lameck Mukasa and Mrs. Robinah Kiyingi resolved to start a crusade to counter gay activities. They also resolved that the diocese should not have anything to do with people who have come out openly to declare that they are gay. Ends