COU axes US diocese
Aug 11, 2003
THE Church of Uganda (COU) has said it is cutting off relations with the New Hampshire Diocese and its gay bishop-elect, the Rev. Gene Robinson, if he is consecrated.
By Richard Komakech
THE Church of Uganda (COU) has said it is cutting off relations with the New Hampshire Diocese and its gay bishop-elect, the Rev. Gene Robinson, if he is consecrated.
The COU said the endorsement was contrary to the 1998 Lambeth Conference Resolution which upholds faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman.
In a strongly-worded letter to the American Episcopal Church, COU said the American bishops’ action was contrary to scripture, natural law and common sense.
“If you proceed with the consecration and enthronement of the renowned homosexual clergyman, you shall leave us with no choice but to disassociate and therefore cut off our communion with the priest and his would be diocese,†the bishops said in the August 8 letter. Robinson’s election to the post has caused wide spread criticism of the American bishops.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the approval of the Rev. Gene Robinson to become a Bishop in the Church of Christ,†the dean of the province of the COU, the Rev. Dr. N.E Okille, said.
The Lambeth resolution is against the legitimisation of same sex unions and ordaining people involved in it.
“Homosexuality falls under the disorder of creation and is therefore a sin, which needs to be repented of,†said the letter seen by The New Vision.
The letter was also copied to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop Gene Robinson, and all Anglican Archbishops.
Previously, the Anglican Church was faced with a similar crisis when the Rev. Canon Jeffrey John was elected Bishop of Oxford in the UK. Jeffrey, however rejected the offer to become the Oxford Bishop in July 2003. COU prays that Robinson also rejects the offer.
Meanwhile, Edith Kimuli reports retired Bishop Misusera Bujimbi, yesterday said the gay bishop-elect should not be isolated, but preached to, so as to change his ways.
Bujimbi said there were priests that put on robes when they were rotten and mislead believers.
THE Church of Uganda (COU) has said it is cutting off relations with the New Hampshire Diocese and its gay bishop-elect, the Rev. Gene Robinson, if he is consecrated.
The COU said the endorsement was contrary to the 1998 Lambeth Conference Resolution which upholds faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman.
In a strongly-worded letter to the American Episcopal Church, COU said the American bishops’ action was contrary to scripture, natural law and common sense.
“If you proceed with the consecration and enthronement of the renowned homosexual clergyman, you shall leave us with no choice but to disassociate and therefore cut off our communion with the priest and his would be diocese,†the bishops said in the August 8 letter. Robinson’s election to the post has caused wide spread criticism of the American bishops.
“We condemn, in the strongest terms possible, the approval of the Rev. Gene Robinson to become a Bishop in the Church of Christ,†the dean of the province of the COU, the Rev. Dr. N.E Okille, said.
The Lambeth resolution is against the legitimisation of same sex unions and ordaining people involved in it.
“Homosexuality falls under the disorder of creation and is therefore a sin, which needs to be repented of,†said the letter seen by The New Vision.
The letter was also copied to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Bishop Gene Robinson, and all Anglican Archbishops.
Previously, the Anglican Church was faced with a similar crisis when the Rev. Canon Jeffrey John was elected Bishop of Oxford in the UK. Jeffrey, however rejected the offer to become the Oxford Bishop in July 2003. COU prays that Robinson also rejects the offer.
Meanwhile, Edith Kimuli reports retired Bishop Misusera Bujimbi, yesterday said the gay bishop-elect should not be isolated, but preached to, so as to change his ways.
Bujimbi said there were priests that put on robes when they were rotten and mislead believers.