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.

"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
New Catholic head says lessons must be learned from abuse failings
New Catholic head says lessons must be learned from abuse failings

The newly installed Archbishop of Westminster has said the Church must learn from victims of sexual abuse.

Young adults abandon marriage as pensioners overtake under-25s - report
Young adults abandon marriage as pensioners overtake under-25s - report

The institution of marriage has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past five decades - particularly among young adults.

Iconic cathedral to run truth project during Lent
Iconic cathedral to run truth project during Lent

One of England’s most well-known, historic and picturesque cathedrals has announced plans to run a Lent series looking at truth in the modern world.