Kenya: Five priests suspended for homosexual activity

Five priests serving in the Mount Kenya region of Kenya have been suspended due to homosexual activity.

Five priests have been rejected by the Anglican Church in Kenya after being found guilty of homosexual activity.

A diocesan tribunal was held yesterday after four men in the Mount Kenya area claimed they were seduced by the clergymen.

Bishop Joseph Kagunda announced one priest was found guilty. The other four confessed and received suspensions ranging from three months to indefinite.

Kagunda said the clergymen will not be allowed to serve in any Anglican church in Kenya.

He withheld their names as they still have a right to appeal, he added.

"We are also giving them an opportunity to repent and reform their ways.

article,article,article,article Related

"It has been our desire to resolve this issue as a church through the established structures without blowing the whistle. However, it must be noted that the Anglican Church of Kenya and particularly the Diocese is totally against any kind of gay practice and marriage," he said, according to Nairobi News.

According to the Daily Nation, Kagunda said the five priests are married with children.

Changing Attitude Kenya, a group seeking the acceptance of LGBT people in the church, has criticised the decision.

Its director, Rev Kenneth Changes, has challenged this decision and the organisation is preparing an appeal. It will be accompanied by letters to Kagunda and Kenyan Archbishop Eliud Wabukala.

"The church is trying to divide us on sexual orientation, which is not acceptable at all," he said.

"From where I stand, it is unchristian to discriminate against others in church. We have the freedom of worship regardless of our sexual orientation. Where is God's love in all this?"

related articles
Christian leaders oppose LGBT rights in Kenya
Christian leaders oppose LGBT rights in Kenya

Christian leaders oppose LGBT rights in Kenya

US same-sex marriage ruling inspires hope and revulsion in Africa
US same-sex marriage ruling inspires hope and revulsion in Africa

US same-sex marriage ruling inspires hope and revulsion in Africa

Why African Christians want Obama to keep quiet about gay rights
Why African Christians want Obama to keep quiet about gay rights

Why African Christians want Obama to keep quiet about gay rights

Church, African leaders oppose Obama\'s gay rights \'ideological colonisation\' bid
Church, African leaders oppose Obama's gay rights 'ideological colonisation' bid

Church, African leaders oppose Obama's gay rights 'ideological colonisation' bid

News
Belief in transgenderism falling in America, propped up by Democrats
Belief in transgenderism falling in America, propped up by Democrats

A new opinion poll has suggested that Americans may be starting to return to belief in biological reality, however a strong political divide still seems to be present.

Syrian archbishop calls for easing of international sanctions
Syrian archbishop calls for easing of international sanctions

"Every day, people come to me looking for money to buy bread. This is the level we have reached."

MPs to debate ending pills by post abortions
MPs to debate ending pills by post abortions

In one case a woman was tricked into having an abortion against her will. She was left infertile.

Is 'spiritual make-believe' how we survive what should break us? 
Is 'spiritual make-believe' how we survive what should break us? 

When trauma breaks the world apart, belief - however constructed - can make it whole again.