Uganda church warns of gay law split

David Bahati, author of Uganda's new anti-gay bill, which was signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni, gestures during an interview with Reuters in Kampala on February 28, 2014. Bahati said aid cuts imposed by disapproving Western donors were a price worth paying to protect the East African nation's moral values. Picture: Edward Echwalu

David Bahati, author of Uganda's new anti-gay bill, which was signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni, gestures during an interview with Reuters in Kampala on February 28, 2014. Bahati said aid cuts imposed by disapproving Western donors were a price worth paying to protect the East African nation's moral values. Picture: Edward Echwalu

Published Mar 3, 2014

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Kampala - The Anglican Church of Uganda said on Monday it may consider breaking away from their mother church in England if it puts Uganda under pressure over a tough new anti-homosexuality law.

“The issue here is respect for our views on homosexuality, same sex marriage as a country and church. If they are not willing to listen to us. We shall consider being on our own,” Uganda's top Anglican, Archbishop Stanley Ntagali, told AFP.

“Homosexual practice is incompatible with scripture, and no one in the leadership of the church can say legitimise same sex unions or homosexuality,” he said, urging the “governing bodies of the Church of England to not take the path advocated by the West”.

“If they do we shall have no choice but to be on our own,” he said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni last week signed a bill into law which holds that “repeat homosexuals” should be jailed for life, outlaws the promotion of homosexuality and requires people to report on homosexuals.

The passing of the bill was largely a popular move in conservative Uganda, where Museveni - a devout Christian who has been in power for 28 years - faces re-election in 2016.

“Our doors are open for those facing sexual disorientation to be counselled, healed and prayed for,” the archbishop said.

“The church is a safe place for those who are confused about their sexuality or struggling with sexual brokenness, we shall provide help to them.” - Sapa-AFP

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