Kenya: Five priests suspended for 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
400% increase in euthanasia deaths in Australian state of Victoria
400% increase in euthanasia deaths in Australian state of Victoria

Right To Life UK said the surge in numbers showed why UK MPs were right to reject assisted suicide.

Ukrainian churches appeal for aid in starving Oleshky
Ukrainian churches appeal for aid in starving Oleshky

Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the crisis in Oleshky.

Westminster Abbey plans memorial to JRR Tolkien
Westminster Abbey plans memorial to JRR Tolkien

The memorial will go next to that of his friend CS Lewis.

Scottish Parliament honours missionary who died in Auschwitz
Scottish Parliament honours missionary who died in Auschwitz

MSPs said they hoped Haining's example would resonate with people at a time of rising hate crime and antisemitism.