Gay, Faith Heroes

Yesterday, standing on the road just outside home, a Mormon missionary approaches me, to tell me about their deity.

I decline. Don't want to belong to any faith..., don't belong to any faith. Suprise on her part. Why don't I believe? No, it does have something to do with my sexuality, but, faith doesnt have to do with sexuality. Didnt go into the specifics of my case.

She insisted on telling me about the Bible. I listened, then nonplussed her by asking why she wasn't quoting from the Quaran. Because she didnt believe it. I don't believe in neither the Bible, nor the Quaran, I reply patiently.

Why does it suprise people that a person does remain a human being with no particular adherence to a faith? Guess it is because so many of us believe. Gay people believe. Even when they are bombarded by 'gay is evil' messages. We continue to believe.

And, sometimes, that has some interesting consequences.

Remember the 'Hang Them' headline? The rolling stone rug.

Just below the caption on the front page were the photos of two people. One is a gay activist. The other is Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo. Giles Muhame, Ssempa's lieutenant, apparently believes that the elderly bishop should be hanged.

No. Bishop Ssenyonjo is not gay.

Question has always been asked. The guy was asked why he is risking all for a people that are pariahs in society.... even his pension. He is a grandfather, and his family is affected by his stance. I mean, the Church of Uganda went to the point of stopping his pension, reportedly because of his stance on homosexuality.

And, one of Ssempa's lieutenants wants him hanged.

No. Not because he is gay. But, because he defends gay people of faith. In the Christian faith. Uh, Jesus feels that pain. Surely no teacher would stand for such interpretation of their teaching! Jesus taught love, didnt he?

If Giles is to state that that is a mis-construction, I would be very surprised. Words, pics, they mean something. As a news person, I think he is the expert. When I see the photo of Bishop Ssenyonjo and the caption, just above his head to 'Hang Them', my conclusions are based on a very solid foundation. At least, so I think....!

There is another bishop, Gene Robinson.

Hey, the guy is gay. Maybe for him it is justified to spew hate speech? His consecration brought up all sorts of controversies. Personally, such a thing, like the consecration of Bishop Glasspool is an affirmation that even gay people are worth of faith. Fact, there is nothing stopping us from believing. Many of us do, and strongly. But, there are some incredible consequences to that. Here was the reaction to Gene Robinson.

Robinson was openly gay when he was elected bishop in 2003, but it aroused such passions that he wore a bullet-proof vest to his consecration.

His ordination as bishop -- the first of an openly gay priest in any Christian denomination -- so divided the church that its General Convention in 2006 called a moratorium on "any candidate to the episcopate whose manner of life presents a challenge to the wider church."

Then in July 2009, the church voted to end the moratorium even though the issue had opened a widening rift within the broader Anglican church.

Some Episcopal parishes in the United States responded by breaking with the US church and aligning themselves with conservative Anglican bishops in Africa and South America.

Gene Robinson is retiring. Has he been brave?

Maybe, by definition of the word. He has been a man who, through no choice of his, has been forced into the spotlight. And made a celebrity. But, at a cost to him.

Bishop Gene Robinson of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire said he would retire in 2013, when he will be 65.

"The fact is, the last seven years have taken their toll on me, my family and you," Robinson wrote in a message posted on the diocese website.

"Death threats, and the now-worldwide controversy surrounding your election of me as bishop have been a constant strain, not just on me, but on my beloved husband, Mark, who has faithfully stood with me every minute of the last seven years."

I salute the man. Gene Robinson. Husband Mark.

I salute them for finding the courage to walk through their lives as human beings, not denying themselves in the face of extreme opposition.

I salute them.

gug

True Religion

What is true religion?

[And, why do I write so much about religion? Grumble, grumble...]

It is because I am a human being. It is because, as a person, I am a spiritual being...

No. I don't go into the mysticism. But, it is something that I cannot run away from in my country. Truth to tell, most human beings cannot run away from it.

A colleague of mine at work asks, apropos of nothing. 'Are you a Catholic?' Answer? No. And, he continued. Protestant (anglican)? No. SDA? No. Moslem? No.

Then, frustrated, 'What religion are you?', and cheeky me, 'None of the above.'

I choose to think that religion doesnt define my humanity. And, I choose not to choose any of the labels. But they are very important to us as human beings.

Because I say that, some point at me and say this is an anti-Christian blog. (Uh, that was Ssempa, you guessed.)

But, I strongly believe in a person's right to define their faith. I will not proselytize my lack of faith. And, I will look on in bemusement if anyone tries to proselytize me. Might make for an interesting conversation.

And, I will also stand for the right of a gay African to have a faith life.

Some believe that since we are gay, we cant be Christian, or Muslim, or whatever religion. I think they err. And, though I am none of those, I believe that a gay Ugandan, a gay African is also a human being. They, and we have the same right to religion as all other human beings.

Yes, I might have a problem with the logics of reconciling the faiths. But then, why do we call them faiths? Because they are faiths.

Even when others use their faith to hit out at us, demonise us, call us anti-Christ, kaffirs, anti-God, etc, just because we have a different sexuality, I still stand and say that we are human beings. And, a gay human being can be a Christian.

And, can be a Moslem.

And, I may actually find the words to debate one who says I cant be a Christian (or Moslem) and gay at the same time. Because that person is denying my humanity. That is my convoluted thinking.

I would really love it if religious people would stop defining their religiousness with anti-gay rhetoric.

I mean, in Uganda, Ssempa is the epitome of a Christian. Because of his anti-gay rhetoric, which is considered the very spirit and soul of Christianity. The Anglicans in Uganda.... well, it is all the same. That is why they excommunicated Bishop Ssenyonjo. He was not anti-gay enough. In fact, he was pro-gay.

I know. For the Catholics, it is the contraception thing, but the anti-gay thing also comes in.

Bahati... well. He says that it is his heartfelt wish to pass the 'Kill the Gay' bill. Make it law. Of course, for him it is defining something called the family, or traditional family. And, he still has hopes of it becoming law.

So, what is true religiousness? Why does my sexuality have to be used to define spirituality?

I have no answers for you. The only ones I have are for me, thank you.

Gug

Now this post was inspired by this post here. Who are the Real Christians? And, in my book, Desmond Tutu is a real Christian....!

Sane Christianity

Know what, once upon a time, on this very blog, I used to be pretty bitter, angry on the subject of religion. Especially Christianity.

Hey, I was burnt. I had had it to the neck with un-Christian witness from Christians. The likes of Ssempa, Orombi, Male, and the rest of the ilk. People who believe that I am less that I should be, simply because I am gay.

Once upon a time, I was a Christian. Anglican.

Actually, far as I could find out, it was my paternal grandpa who was the first Christian in my family. So, very new faith, as for most Ugandans. But, he became one of the hard core 'savedees' after the East African revival of the 1940s. My father grew up in that home, and, for him I was a Christian because he gave me his Christian first name.

Yeah, and once, I made the choice of being saved, becoming an evangelical... like my elder brother, who is a pastor.

Well, I became bitter, and embittered, and later enraged by the seeming disconnect between reality and faith as I saw it. Now, I joy in standing on the fence... something which puzzles my bro, but, we all make our decisions. He is trying to woo me back to the safe fold. I am not convinced!

Well, I am also proudly gay. I am a homosexual.

So, living in Uganda, I have listened to the Church, Catholic, Anglican, Evangelical come out and lash at us with all their might, hold rallies, condemn us from the pulpit and pray for our death and destruction. Got to the point that my apathy had turned into a roaring, consuming anger. Against all things Christian.

But, like all hatreds, there have been a few people that have stood up to challenge my hatred. Christians. There is Desmond Tutu, of South Africa, and Christopher Ssenyonjo of Uganda, Bishops in the Anglican church. I find myself very much surprised by their fulsome embrace of what I am. No, I still respectfully decline the request to believe. Guess it is nothing but me responding to love, as opposed to hypocrisy and hate.

I have always followed the people at Exodus International. I am gay. Grew up in an environment when I was constantly bombarded with the wrongness of myself. I am glad I didnt embrace that kind of self deception. But, I do understand them, or, at least I think I do. After all, they are homosexual like I am... even when they deny it. What I don't understand is their apparent desire to hurt others, especially youths who are questioning. I know, it is deeply held convictions... so, maybe I understand. But, I am very glad that they can reverse themselves. Like they did in their support of their board member who came to preach Anti-homosexuality in Uganda. And, like they have done now, acknowledging that the 'Day of Truth' in opposition to the 'Day of Silence' was actually a promotion of hatred. Covert, misguided, and, in truth hurtful.

Sane Christians. Not like the Vatican, (forgive me partner), which fights tooth and nail to uphold doctrine over love....

And, there's Throckmorton. Very interesting guy. Yes, he is one of those sane Christians, for whom ideology doesnt seem to triumph over simple humanity. And he kind of finds that inspiration from the Bible that Ssempa, Orombi and co use to bash me.... hey, that is life!

Guess we are all different. No convenient thinking straight jackets, until we dress ourselves in them.

Take away lesson? Stereotypes, of any kind, never stand the light of examination.

What set me off? Younger bro. He was with me, trying to impress me with his 'nationalism'. Guess I was not impressed...!

gug

Happy 4th of July

A friend reminded me yesterday that today is the American Independence day. Happy 4^th of July to my American friends. I am informed that it is an important public holiday in your land.

Some reflection- the whole anti-gay sentiment in my own country has kind of had an effect on my thought processes. On the one hand I was being accused of being evil because I am gay, and not being African or 'patriotic' enough because I insist on flaunting my sexuality-, and the righteous indignation of my country mates-

I am being long winded. Suffice to say that the whole concept of patriotism has taken a very health blow in my mind. Of course I am an African, and a Ugandan. I am what I am- am also gay.

So, now I embrace my humanity above other things. Suspect identities to me include my ethnicity, nationality, and of course religion....!

But, Happy Independence to my US friends.

There is humour and then there is humour.

Imagine, in one country, some people want to send their queer country mates to Uganda.... Ha! Uganda is infamous.

The country is Bulgaria. Of course, sending their queers to Uganda is not really to compliment them in anyway. Here is the story.

Anti-Gay Bulgarian Nationalists Want to Send 'All Queers to Uganda'

"All Queers Go to Uganda" reads one of the slogans of the some 100 Bulgarian nationalists who rallied against the 2010 Sofia Pride gay parade. Photo by BGNES

Around 100 Bulgarian nationalists have gathered to protest against the “Sofia Pride” gay parade Saturday.

The nationalists have been carrying posters saying “Gays want death for Bulgarians”, “Homosexuals out of Bulgaria, to keep our children pure”, “Bulgaria is a place for normal people – gays should go to jail” and “All the gays, go to Uganda”.

According to the organizers of the protest, about 10 nationalist organizations have participated.

Just rubbing in my point- now you understand why I would feel more connection to the queers of Bulgaria, a country where I have never been!!!!

-----

I am a self confessed Ssempa basher.

Sometimes I remind myself to reign in... It simply would not do to be what I hate. And, I just don't like the man. But again, I have to remind myself again and again why the guy is bad... a liar, unchristian, using his gifts of charisma to lie and hate, etc, etc. Yeah, I do have to do that, or else I will forget how dangerous the man is. And, of course I have to be thankful to the guy...

I'm also especially proud of how our gay sex brings out the crazy in anti-gay zealots everywhere. NOBODY is as obsessed with how gay people have sex as the people who claim to be disgusted by it. Thank God for people like Pastor Martin Ssempa, whose "eat da poo poo" rant lifted from Vanguard's "Missionaries of Hate" episode on Current TV went instantly viral.

But one thing which amuses me is the way the internet has kind of spread his perfidy far and wide. He is the face of Uganda, and African gay bigotry and prejudice. Christian gay bigotry and prejudice. And, I keep coming across new mentions of Pastor Doctor Martin 'eat da poo poo' Ssempa every now and then. Makes for fun reading. Sometimes. Many times.

But, in the comments here, a markedly racist person is in 'debate' with another person and the other kind of comes up with this comment.

Your degree is just as useful as Martin Sempa’s PhD, as is your reearch, because you justify your bias based on your limited knowledge about the other. Your argument is just as intelligent as ‘they eat the poopoo’

The next time you wonder where people like Martin Sempa come from, or how they’re formed, look in the mirror.

Ugh... that is below the belt, surely? Bigotry, prejudice is markedly similar, whether it is aimed at sexual orientation, 'foreigners', race, etc. When I did follow the line of commentry, I found that it had flown way past the other persons understanding. Yes, Logic is a perception. Kind of like a belief. And, some people embrace their logic with religious fervour... and it leads to some very hilarious results.

Duh, I will end with a quote from Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo. From the US, he went to Ireland. He has been on a speaking tour, and has done much for many to put a face on the homophobia that there is in Uganda, especially amongst the Christian circles. [no... I am not mistaking him for Ssempa]. Maybe the statement should be that, Uganda produced people like Ssempa (and Idi Ami, etc), but it would be prejudicial to say all of us Ugandans are just shit. Like any prejudicial generalisation, it simply wouldnt be correct.

Ssenyojo has been lionised and has been preaching in churches and talking about being gay supportive in Uganda. That is in the west, where his witness is being received.

In dear Uganda..., well, he is not allowed to preach. Because of his stand, he is vilified, by the denomination that he served for more than 40 years of his life. He was thrown out of his church, was requested not even to put on his robes. Yeah, I did see that letter, which was addressed to him by his surname, with not even the courtesy of his proffessional and academic titles. Here are the observation of the Vanguard documentary 'Missionaries of Hate' reporter about Ssenyonjo.

MvZ: There was interview with a retired Anglican Bishop who’s been maligned for the work he does ministering to gays in Uganda. His church has essentially ostracized him and ahead of one of these anti-gay rallies, people hung posters for the event outside of his office. It’s silly, but when you see people taunting an old man you can’t help but feel bad.

Here are the uplifting words from that old gentleman.

"… they [homosexuals] may be different, and they are, but we should live with differences.” He went on to call for education because, "I have found that a lot of the prejudice against LGBT people comes from ignorance."

He concluded his sermon at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin on Sunday with the prayer. "Almighty God, we believe that in Christ there is no discrimination against race, colour, gender or LGBT people. We pray that you guide us with your Holy Spirit so that all hate campaigns including those against LGBT people may be transformed into peace, justice and reconciliation. Amen."

And, yes- despite much of the bad and evil that there is in this world, there is also good. Love as opposed to hate. Good as opposed to evil. And, we can always pick out the difference, even when hate tries to mascarade as love.

Have a very good day.

gug

Dirty Fighting...

Down to earth dirty- A facebook group; people against Martin Ssempa and his Mis-informed views of homosexuality.


Ugh!

Reminds me of the days of Idi Amin and soon afterwards. A country should not be ‘infamous’. And, that is a whine, unapologetic. Yes, Uganda is infamous for all the right reasons… as we lead the world in the fight against homosexuality. And, with heroes like Martin ‘eat da poo poo’ Ssempa, why….!
But, we have some counter heroes. Ssenyonjo in the US has been lionized, sharing a podium with Gene Robinson. That is, if you are reading those who appreciate the work that he has done for gay Ugandans. But, there are those who are incensed. And, they are out in force… Gosh! If this was politics for politics, I would be amused. I mean, it is politicians who tend to hit out at one another like there is no tomorrow, and of course surprise us by being chummy in private. Those who think bad of Ssenyonjo’s work are doing their best to show how he is not a Bishop…. Yeah, he is no bishop. He ministers to sheep that are outside the fold. The Other Sheep. I believe one shepherd does not mind that, but then, I am no Christian.

Pro-Homosexuality Anglicans Seek U.S. Government Help
Well, the United Methodists initially pulled ahead in the race towards hell today with their spiritual blender seminary announcement, but the Episcopals, running a close second, have now won by a nose at the finish line. This news broke late today, giving the Hall of Shame prize to the Episcopalians.

But, for a human being that is in now way removed from this war, it is getting really dirty out there. Correction. This is the real world.

Means kind of two things… we have to wake up to it, and the journey is barely started. So, we will have to be really resilient. This war is to be fought at home, and away.

Good news from Iceland. An unanimous decision in parliament on whether or not gay human beings are human enough to celebrate being together in marriage, like other human beings. Its interesting how such an unanimity can be gotten to. Is gay marriage the end of the rainbow? It can seem like so, doesn’t it?

Iceland's parliament unanimously approves gay marriage

By Jessica Geen • June 11, 2010 - 16:33
Iceland's prime minister Johanna Sigurdardottir is a lesbian
Politicians in Iceland have passed a law legalising gay marriage.
The country, which is the only one in the world to have an out gay leader, prime minister Johanna Sigurdardottir, passed the law today.
All 49 lawmakers approved the change, which will see the words "man and man, woman and woman" added to marriage legislation.
The law allows churches to perform gay weddings if they wish and says "ministers will always be free to perform [gay] marriage ceremonies, but never obliged to".
Iceland's protestant church has not yet decided whether it will hold the ceremonies, which replace registered partnerships.
The country's president has to approve the bill but is highly likely to do so as this is a formality and public opinion is in favour of the change.
Ms Sigurdardottir, 67, became the world's first out gay head of government last April, when her Social Democrats formed a left-wing coalition with the Left-Green Movement.
Iceland repealed laws banning homosexuality in the 1940s. In 2006, it widened provisions to give gay couples all the reproductive and parenting rights open to straight couples.

In Africa, we are still fighting to stay OUTSIDE prison walls. The ultimate would be when we are treated in equality with all other human beings. When we are not shurned, nor demonized, held in contempt overtly or overtly, like in laws which deem us unfit to fight for our countries. Equality is a really interesting concept.
The Pope believes that gay people are a very dangerous threat…. Almost like to Ssempa, but not. And, of course you have heard of the guy called Dr. George Rekers. George, ‘I am not gay’ Rekers.’ Life is interesting.
Why would a guy who is gay make it his life times work to deny his sexuality- and persecute those who do accept their sexuality? It is a philosophical question that interests me. A lot. [I just wanted a link to Rekers... Old news that, though with Ted Haggard opening a new, 'inclusive' church and ministry, things may not be as bad as they seem to be.

Hope you do appreciate the tongue in cheek attitude. Makes life that much more interesting, looked at from the side.

Have a great weekend.

And, err, tune in to South Africa. Africa is hosting the biggest party in the world, you know?


gug

Some musings...

Now that I have re-started....

Hey, I missed cyber. Really, really missed it. So maybe I am ready again to air my views ad nauseaum again!

Bishop Ssenyonjo is touring the US. Glad to see that the old man is getting some recognition for his efforts. It is tough for gay people in Ugandans. Cant believe how tough it is for people who are not gay, but feel constrained to take on the country's homophobia. And, for an elderly man like Ssenyonjo to do it, and come out with the head held high.... That is something. He was there at the consencration of Graspool, the first openly lesbian Bishop of the episcopal church. Apparently took part in the occasion. As Leonardo commented on the last post, the old gentleman is a hit wherever he goes. He is a hit in Uganda (well, to us gay Ugandans, at least), and his charisma may lie in the simple fact that he is a simple old man, deceptively soft, with ideals that he sees fit to challenge the establishment. That stand has singled him out for a long time. In Uganda, in the Anglican church, he is a pariah. But, he still stands tall. I must say he an inspiration to me. Seemed like his work was done, past 70 years, a grandfather who was pensioned out. For him to come back, risking his pension and his reputation. To the point of being defrocked.... He is a PhD, Former Bishop Emeritus of West Buganda Diocese...

I do like the old guy. Hope he comes back as refreshed and envigorated as he should. His detractors will seriously be crying 'foul'...... Had not seen this, but they are already doing so. That 'Virtue Online' article is vintage 'Christian Right' stuff. It is okay to tell lies as long as you are doing the glorious work of opposing Homosexuality. And, they do it very well. Have to learn that practice. A truth here, a half truth there, a blatant lie and an innuendo. And, of course a good writer! Imagine, they still insist that the 'death penalty in the Bahati bill was due to the Muslim majority in Uganda! What a blatant falsehood!

How is Ssempa? Last I heard of him was that he was attending a Muslim Anti-Homosexuality Jihad-Crusade. Just here in Kampala.

And, in Zimbabwe, the visible LGBT community is suddenly being persecuted. Arrested, for 'undermining the President' Mugabe. Life is truly odd.

The guys in Malawi, they were sent back to their respective villages. It will be interesting to see how they work out. Apparently, in prison, they were kept in different prisons..... lest they risk having sex again. And, as of now, they are being told that they should be repentant, and if they renew their relationship- why, the pardon was not for future offences.

How would it be to live outed, like these guys were,... with everyone knowing that you are a convicted homosexual? Chances of getting a job, place in society, etc. I guess life has not become any much easier now than it will ever be. They are young. 20 and 24? Hope they do get something out of this.

For me, the take away lesson is that international pressure does work.

On May 18, the couple was convicted of sodomy, and while the harsh sentence was generally welcomed by the Malawian public, it drew international rebuke. The nation, one of the poorest in Africa, is heavily dependent on foreign aid, and several donors suggested they might have to reconsider their generosity.
Pop stars issued their own condemnations. Madonna, who has adopted two children from Malawi, said the nation had taken “a giant step backward.” Elton John wrote an appeal to Mr. Mutharika, asking him to release the couple and “expunge Malawi’s discriminatory laws against homosexuality.”
In announcing the pardon, the president emphasized that he was not condoning gay marriage. “It’s unheard of in Malawi, and it’s illegal,” he said.

It is a victory for gay people. All over the world. That is a fact. Duh, we shall never be loved by most of the world. Something that the bill has pressed into my conscious.

But, for someone like these Malawi guys, the personal toll may be considerable.

Late Saturday, Mr. Chimbalanga, who has said he considers himself a woman in a man’s body, and Mr. Monjeza were released from custody.
The police escorted Mr. Chimbalanga back to his home village in the remote hills of Thyolo District. He stayed for a reunion with family members, and planned to return to Blantyre early Sunday.
“I’ve been under so much emotional stress that I need to find somewhere to rest,” said Mr. Chimbalanga, speaking by cellphone through an interpreter. “I still want to marry Steven. But I don’t know what he is thinking any more. We’ve been through so much.”
He said: “I think it is going to be hard to stay in Malawi. I am afraid of what people might do to us. We probably need to seek asylum in some other country. Is there a place for us? I don’t know.”

Speaking of the toll... My partner was really happy about the release of the Malawi couple. And, I reminded him that in Uganda, the Honourable Bahati would want us in prison for life. And, the bill is still in parliament.

What has that bill done to the reputation of Uganda? And, to the reputation of Mr Bahati in particular? Was reminded of that when I went through this post on Huffingtonpost. It is about the Missionaries of Hate documentary, an excerpt from an interview with David Bahati.
"Uganda's anti-gay bill author wallows in the filth of his hate."

It has been said that sometimes you have to let purveyors of ignorance and hate speak freely because sooner or later they tend to damage their own cause.

This saying should be remembered when listening to an interview with MP David Bahati, the creator of that awful anti-gay Ugandan bill.

The interview cited there has to be read, and wondered at. Sincerely, what planet does David Bahati live on? Same ilk as Martin Ssempa. It is from their very words and actions that one condemns them. Because they are naked. Not even the Ssempa charisma can hide his hate.
I will have to stop here. Feels really good to be back writing, thinking, debating... And of course getting to know what the rest of the planet's beat is dancing to.
 
Be well
 
gug

Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo

ELDERLY BISHOP ROCKS UGANDA'S GAY RIGHTS MOVEMENT          

Last Updated: March 17, 2010

'Sex is not just about making children,' says Christopher Ssenyonjo

Source: Kaj Hasselriis (www.xtra.ca)

In Uganda, where most queers are too afraid to come out of the closet, straight allies are essential to the gay rights movement but none are as cute, charming or controversial as 78-year-old Anglican Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo.

Just call him Christopher, though. Everyone else does.

The Desmond Tutu lookalike works on the outskirts of Kampala, in a tiny storefront across from a row of shanties. By necessity, Christopher never toils past dark. His office, with a dusty desk and used couch, has no light.

By day, though, this is where the retired bishop persists in doing what first got him into trouble almost 10 years ago counselling queers.

"The attitude of my church is that I should condemn them," he says. "But I refuse."

Bishop Christopher established his one-man counselling service in 1998 and soon after, got his first gay client.

"I listened to him," says Christopher, who never stops smiling. "That was strange for the man. Most people just told homosexuals they should change."

One gay client led to another, until all hell broke loose. In 2001, Uganda's two dozen other bishops including the Archbishop found out Christopher was comforting homosexuals.

While Christopher was on a trip overseas, he was thrown out of the bishop's circle, kicked out of his parish and denied his pension.

"I lost a lot of privileges," he says. He was also pilloried in the press. "I stayed in the US for six months, for fear to come back."

When he did, strangers called him names and his Anglican colleagues shunned him ¡ª even the ones who told him they secretly agreed with his views.

Still, Christopher has no regrets. "God wants me to help oppressed peoples," he insists. "Homosexuals should enjoy all the rights and benefits that heterosexuals enjoy."

For Christopher, that includes marriage a particularly blasphemous point of view in conservative Uganda.

"Sex is not just about making children," he says.

In the fight against Uganda's draconian anti-gay bill, Christopher is a key leader. He speaks out forcefully and articulately at human rights conferences and press conferences, urging people to open their minds and educate themselves about the complexity of human sexuality.

Gay and lesbian Ugandans most of whom are also devout Christians consider Christopher a hero for preaching that God loves them, too.

But Christopher continues to pay a price for his advocacy. His credentials are constantly mocked by those who claim he can no longer call himself a bishop. ("A bishop is a bishop until death," he responds.) His counselling practice has taken a huge financial hit. Whereas he used to see up to 10 clients a day for $2.50 a session he now sees only two or three.

"My counselling has suffered a setback because of fear," he says, pointing to the hand-painted sign out front. "Even my signpost doesn't say the word 'gay'."

Christopher's constant smile suggests that if he's ever discouraged, it never lasts long. "The truth is the truth," he says. "It will take time for people to understand. It might not be in my time, but it will come."

In the meantime, Christopher keeps spreading his religious views ¡ª views that could turn even the most cynical atheist into a believer.

"God is sometimes portrayed as someone who hates and kills," he says. "I've reached another stage of what God is. God is love."