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
17,000 turn out for Franklin Graham event in London
17,000 turn out for Franklin Graham event in London

Graham preached a message about God's love but also expressed his concerns that the world seemed to be "one step closer to Armageddon".

Over 20 Christians killed in suicide bombing of church in Syria
Over 20 Christians killed in suicide bombing of church in Syria

At least 22 Christians have been killed and dozens more injured after a suicide bomber blew himself up at a church in Syria. 

'I just think it's all wrong,' police officer tells street evangelists
'I just think it's all wrong,' police officer tells street evangelists

A police officer has been filmed confronting a pair of Christians in London for street preaching.

Churches play 'significant but often overlooked role' in helping refugees to integrate - report
Churches play 'significant but often overlooked role' in helping refugees to integrate - report

"Despite providing key frontline services and serving as an essential safety net, churches often remain isolated from strategic partnerships."