The Catholic Church in Uganda

I like. Correction,

I love the pickle and bind that the Catholic Church in Uganda has found itself in.

To give a background, I am no Catholic. [Snort]

Of course, I am no Christian.

But, my lover is a Catholic. At the moment, one would say, a ‘lapsed’ Catholic, since I am the one who even noted that Ssempa’s Porn show was in Church on Ash Wednesday, a day I remember him celebrating consistently earlier on in our relationship. But, this time, he didn’t remember that it was Ash Wednesday.

But, thru the years, my lover’s evident distress and conflict between his sexuality and his faith made me research the Catholic teaching on homosexuality. I found it hypocritical, but couldn’t tell him that. ‘Intrinsically disordered’? Ha ha ha ha!!!

Anyway, I was happy to do the research. And pass on that which was relevant.

Then came the Anti-Homosexuality bill of 2009.

Ugandan Catholic leaders are good Ugandans. Which means that they are rabidly homophobic. That is the characteristic of good Ugandans.

And, it also means that they are suitably, strongly ignorant.

And, this time they were ignorant of the fact that there is an official Vatican position on homosexuality. And, that though Catholicism is officially homophobic, they have tried to inform their ‘stand’ with the knowledge that has been gathered over the years.

I have watched them twist and turn with relish.

Yes, I have. It is very interesting noting the official ‘evolution’ of their stand. And, the sticks that the Vatican has been throwing at them.

I know, the Vatican is no friend to gay people. That is a matter of fact. And, they are not going to be friends. That is also a matter of fact.

But, the official Catholic doctrine admits that gay people exist. And that they are so made by their creator. Or, something to that end. They just go ahead and expect us to be celibate…. Religion is interesting in its denial of reality.

But then, here you are talking to a person who laughs at the perceived freedom to think that I have, being non-religious.

Anyway, the bill came, and was in parliament. Suddenly, the Catholic Church in Uganda had to have a position. And, they had to quickly start informing themselves about what had been happening in the rest of the Catholic church.

I wonder, why do homophobes insist on being ignorant of sexuality? Just asking….

Anyway, the bill was in parliament.

Catholics make up the biggest religious group in Uganda. I believe Wikipedia says something like 38% of the population.

For two months, the Catholics of Uganda studied and studied the bill. They had nothing to do but study it. [Me, I kind of forced myself to read through it in one hour, and, I had come to a position. grinnnnnnnnnn. A negative position of course.]

The Catholics of Uganda were so silent that I decided to ‘jog’ them.  Of course, a statement from them couldn’t be positive with regards to me. But, the Bill is so bad, that I knew it was well past the criteria of ‘good’ that is piously mandated in heaven…, sorry. The Vatican.

Then, the Vatican came up with this statement.

As stated during the debate of the General Assembly last year, the Holy See continues to oppose all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons, such as the use of the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. The Holy See also opposes all forms of violence and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons, including discriminatory penal legislation which undermines the inherent dignity of the human person.

 As raised by some of the panelists today, the murder and abuse of homosexual persons are to be confronted on all levels, especially when such violence is perpetrated by the State. While the Holy See's position on the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity remains well known, we continue to call on all States and individuals to respect the rights of all persons and to work to promote their inherent dignity and worth.

I considered it a slap in the face for the Catholics of Uganda. Here…

And, of course it was. They should have rejected the bill from the very beginning. [so should every Christian, however homophobic. (I don’t consider Pastor Ssempa a Christian. I value independence of thought, and there is too much evidence to the contrary)]

That kind of forced the Catholics in Uganda’s hand.

They came up with a statement. Nicely homophobic, and in ignorance of basic Vatican teaching on homosexuality. But, tucked in at the bottom was the statement that they rejected the bill. That was supposed to correct the impression that they were supporting the bill. Of course it didn’t.

And, to further outline their ‘principled opposition’ to homosexuality, the Catholic church, with the rest of the preachers, had one statement on Christmas day. All about homosexuality.

See, this ‘loving the sinner and hating the sin’ doctrine was becoming a bit cumbersome. They couldn’t show gay porn in Church, but, they could do other things. Like telling all Ugandans about how bad we homosexuals were.

Did any Ugandans leave church on Christmas day not convinced of the support of the catholic church for the bill? Err, nuanced support, of course….. Because they rejected the bill, didn’t they?

Someone has taken the trouble of picking out the actual differences between what the Catholic Church in Uganda says about the Bill, and what the Vatican actually says. Interesting reading, if you are interested in all matters Catholic. Personally, I rest on my laurels, thinking, Uganda’s Hypocritical Murderous Catholics. Parsing words as the fire burns, thinking about how much to show their hate when they should know better.

Am I too bitter?

Here is the analysis from someone else better qualified to read the small print of the Uganda Catholic Church statements.

F Young said...

Catholic Archbishop Cyprian Lwanga's endorsement of this March 9, 2010 statement by the Council of Presidents of the Inter–Religious Council of Uganda is inconsistent with the position the Holy See has taken at the United Nations in 2008 and 2009:

 

2008:

Vatican Statement on Sexuality and Homosexuality

Related link.

 

2009:

Statement posted here.

 

The Archbishop's earlier official position on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill was also inconsistent with the Holy See:

Ironically, the IRCU statement advocates "7. e. Counteracting the distortion and misrepresentation of the debate on homosexuality by the media."

Yet, the Archbishop himself appears to be distorting and misrepresenting the Vatican's position (or has the Vatican's position changed since December 2009?). Perhaps someone with a good understanding of the politics of the Catholic church could say whether it would be worthwhile to ask the Vatican to correct the Archbishop's repeated public apparent misstatements of the Vatican's position.

 The Vatican has already done this with respect to Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan (Cardinals are at a higher level than an Archbishop; they are second only to the Pope.):

http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=18103

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0905340.htm

 

 

F Young said...

I want to clarify my earlier comment about the inconsistencies between the ICRU statement and the positions of the Vatican. See my earlier comment for the links.

 Firstly, the ICRU statement fails to call for the decriminalization of adult consensual homosexual sex. This is a major element of the Vatican's official position and a life-changing/saving omission for LGBT's in Uganda. On the contrary, the ICRU statement says that homosexuality "should not be allowed in our society," and impliedly supports section 145 of the Penal Code by using its continuation as the basis for its argument that the Bill is unnecessary.

 Secondly, the ICRU statement fails to call for an end to "every sign of unjust discrimination" to homosexual persons, to "all forms of violence against homosexual persons," to "all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons, such as , , , , , torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment," all elements of the Vatican's official position that are hugely relevant to Uganda.

 Lastly, the ICRU statement deplores that the "proposed law does not provide for the rehabilitation of repentant homosexuals." When read with the criticism that "the proposed death penalty and life imprisonment do not provide the sinner an opportunity to repent" and the statements that the churches "welcome the sinners to confess, repent and seek a new beginning," and "believe homosexuals need conversion, repentance, support, and understanding and love," one is left to wonder whether the churches are calling for "conversion" "therapy" as a "get-out-of-jail" card for those condemned to prison.

 Surely that is not the Vatican's official position, but then what does the statement mean when it deplores that the "proposed law does not provide for the rehabilitation of repentant homosexuals?" Conversion therapy, but you stay in jail anyway?

 What to make of all this? Has the Catholic Church changed its mind? Does it fear the government or a reduction in tithes? Does the Ugandan Catholic church disagree with the Vatican? I don't know.

 So, what do we do now? Is it best not to do anything? I don't know enough. The stakes are very high. Personally, I would appreciate input from people who are very familiar with Ugandan politics and the politics of the Catholic Church at the Vatican and Ugandan levels.

 Yeah, yeah, yeah.

A definite NOT meeting of the minds.

Now, let me answer your questions. The Catholic Church in Uganda, in my assesment, was completely ignorant of the Vatican's actual 'doctrinal guidance' on homosexuality.

Their statements have shown that. And, they were not alone. So was the rest of the churches, mosques, etc. The homophobia in Uganda is fueled by an appaling ignorance, which they reinforce by branding any contrary information as 'promotion of homosexuality'. That is a literal mindset. We see it everywhere, in legal circles, with the MPs, with the Anglican church, and with the Catholics of course.

It must have been a shock for them to even discover that the Catholic Church does have a very detailed position on homosexuality. And, that it is very contrary to what the people here believe.

No, It is not government coercion. Actually, the religious people here were the ones trying to force the government to have the bill become law as soon as possible. Minimal debate mandated.

It is just plain ignorance.

And, I bet you that they are going to need more self education. Because, even though they will not show porn in Church, [how would the Vatican react???], they still have the same.... spirit?

Hey, I am allowed to be this forthright and brutal in my assessment.

And, my assessment is that they have been ignorant, are trying to educate themselves, but are still sticking out their prejudices.

No, icearc. I don't believe the Catholics forced the others to sign that statement. I think the matter of self education is occurring because too many people are suddenly understanding that most of the religious leaders are actually hate pedalling, and ignorant at the same time.

Sniff,

New knowledge? They could have asked me, long time ago!!!!

gug

Catholic Church in Uganda

You know what, there is a story which nearly didnt get through. I mean, we have the facts, but, we dont know what to make of them. I have a very fertile imagination, so, of course I am putting that to work here.

Let us start with the facts, which are laid out on this blog, of course.

On October 14 Hon Bahati introduces the Anti-Homosexuality bill in the Parliament of Uganda. It is called tabling, and it was the first reading.
The bill itself is here. And, even now, I have to warn you that it is terrible. No, it isnt, is what Bahati says. It is all a laudable effort to defend our cherished family. Those words familiar? Will be, if you are in the know of some very interesting teaching of a part of the 'Church'.

Soon afterwards, Church and Mosque leaders in Uganda go to the Parliament to give their take on the bill. The Catholic Church was not represented.

Throught the fracas of the last two, three month, the Catholic Church in Uganda has not been making any official statements. Which is suprising. Most Christians in Uganda identify as Catholic. And, their Protestant brothers were coming out very, very vociferously in support of the bill. Why were they silent?

Well, I knew the answer. Catholic theology about homosexuality is kind of centralised. And, they would not support such a bill. But, in common with their Protestant Brethren, Ugandan Catholics are also suitably homophobic. They are also Ugandans, my murderous Christian brothers. So, the Cardinal and the Archbishop were being pulled different ways by popular sentiment in Uganda, and the Church's teaching. The Vatican was in another direction.

I realised they were too silent. That is why I penned this plea. I wanted them in.

Then, of a sudden, the Catholic Church broke its silence. In a dramatic way. And, not in Uganda. They did it at the United Nations. Here is the statement, and a report on it.

“All forms of violence and unjust discrimination”

Holy See issues statement at UN on mistreatment of homosexuals

The Vatican’s legal attaché to the United Nations issued a statement on Dec. 10 putting the Holy See on record as opposed to “violations of human rights against homosexual persons.”

The attaché made his remarks following an afternoon panel discussion about treatment of homosexuals by governments around the world as part of the observance of Human Rights Day, which commemorates the UN General Assembly’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

 

Here is the full text of the statement from the Holy See:

 

Mr. Moderator,

 

Thank you for convening this panel discussion and for providing the opportunity to hear some very serious concerns raised this afternoon. My comments are more in the form of a statement rather than a question.

 

As stated during the debate of the General Assembly last year, the Holy See continues to oppose all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons, such as the use of the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. The Holy See also opposes all forms of violence and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons, including discriminatory penal legislation which undermines the inherent dignity of the human person.

 

As raised by some of the panelists today, the murder and abuse of homosexual persons are to be confronted on all levels, especially when such violence is perpetrated by the State. While the Holy See's position on the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity remains well known, we continue to call on all States and individuals to respect the rights of all persons and to work to promote their inherent dignity and worth.

 

Thank you, Mr. Moderator.

 

Rev. Philip J. Bené, J.C.D.

Legal Attaché

Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations

Oh, it didnt get much play in Uganda. Not at all.

I mean, I saw it, and almost failed to understand its significance. I sent it to Hon. Benson Obua, the co-sponsor of the Bill with Bahati. He called me a pervert [oh no, he doesnt know me. I am a pervert because I am gay] and sent me a link to a Monitor story. This one.

An excerpt from the news story.

The Secretary General of IRC [Inter Religious Council], Mr Joshua Kitakule told Daily Monitor that development partners should not  interfere in the process of legislation in Uganda.

“Those countries should respect our spiritual values. They shouldn’t interfere,” he said. “All senior religious leaders have been given copies of the Bill to read and educate people in the churches and mosques,” he added.   Mr Kitakule said the Bill, which was tabled last month by Ndorwa West MP David Bahati, has not been understood by human rights activists and homosexuals.   

“The Bill is ok. But it has been misunderstood. We need to educate people on this proposed law,” he said.

Bishops from the Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Seventh Day Adventist churches as well as Muslim kadhis agreed to defend the Bill in their centres of worship.

Yeah, you have seen that, havent you? Catholic Bishops were reported to be there. And, of course, well, shall we say they signed onto the communique?

And, I have been confirmed to by none other that Pastor Martin Ssempa that the Archbishop and Cardinal were there.

Interesting. Interesting.

So, what can I start speculating on?

Total speculation. Rome told Kampala not to support the bill. They couldnt release a statement. But, they have been going around, quietly, supporting it. Of course they are with their brethren in Uganda, part of the cabal of Uganda's Murderous Christians.

So, when the Vatican sees that its Ugandan arcdiocese was very much set on supporting the bill, the terrible Bahati bill, they released a statement.

I read the statement as a slap in the face for the Ugandan leaders of the Catholic Church. Like the one this Cardinal got for saying homosexuals will go to hell. Pure speculation, of course.

I have a feeling most of the faithful in Uganda dont know the Vatican is really opposed to the bill. Hmmmmm!!!!

Pause for thought.



gug

Rumblings, (Not.)

But, why don’t I kind of try to get the world news in context. That news that concerns me, as a Gay Ugandan.

Believe it or not, I am told that this statement was released by the The Reverend Philip J. Bené, J.C.D., Legal Attaché, Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations.

“

Thank you for convening this panel discussion and for providing the opportunity to hear some very serious concerns raised this afternoon.  My comments are more in the form of a statement rather than a question.

As stated during the debate of the General Assembly last year, the Holy See continues to oppose all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons, such as the use of the death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment.  The Holy See also opposes all forms of violence and unjust discrimination against homosexual persons, including discriminatory penal legislation which undermines the inherent dignity of the human person.

As raised by some of the panelists today, the murder and abuse of homosexual persons are to be confronted on all levels, especially when such violence is perpetrated by the State. While the Holy See’s position on the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity remains well known, we continue to call on all States and individuals to respect the rights of all persons and to work to promote their inherent dignity and worth.”

Those who are 'above' the Catholic Archbishop and Cardinal in Uganda. Now, I have to get it to the Archbishop and Cardinal here in Uganda! And of course to Bahati, Buturo, etc, etc. Guess what will be in Buturos email in the morning.

You know that the Church leaders in Uganda are backing the bill? Well, here is their latest statement. Now, now, now, how does that square with the Holy See? Did you notice that the Catholic bishops in Uganda were actually included in the Inter-religious Council which backed the bill, and are going out to the churches to support the bill?

Anyone out there to alert the Holy See? I still believe that too few Catholics are gearing up to defend poor me. Please?

Rick Warren.
His backpeddling statement. Is it still news? Well, this as Obama would say, has the 24 hours cycle ended and we move onto something else? Well, he issued a statement. And, the world media took notice.

Truth Wins Out thanks Warren. I did too, with a little kick in the smile, of course. Well. That is what I will do when the Archbishops of Canterbury and York speak out. They are being a bit slow, but never mind. As long as they do speak out. Just keep up the pressure on these Anglicans. Like here.

The Indian Episcopal church does love and affirm gay Christian Indians. At least that is what I read from all the legalese in this statement. I am open to correction…!

Well, Religion, politics, and the mix. Rachel Maddow is doing it. As reported by Queerty here.

No. For your information, I dont want to be forced into therapy. Remember what was happening in England. Castration, medical. Brain surgery, all in the name of correcting homosexuality. No. I don’t want benevolent reparative surgery. No thanks.

Did I say Rachel Maddow is my heroine? Angel, my angel, I salute you, lady! Well, others didn’t speak out. You took the lead, and you have stayed on the roll. As for reparative surgery, (the no thank you therapy,) Rachel takes it on. Here. I dont like quarks. Especially those who want to do it on me. And, Rachel does some work that I applaud. From some anonymous gay Ugandan, thanks! Thanks Rachel!

Now, can I convince Bahati of that? He is a member of ‘C street, aka the Family, huh?

Rachel continued digging.

And, also keep up the pressure on those other politicians. See, Museveni, Bahati and Nsaba-Buturo are not the only members of the Family. Only the Ugandan ones that we know of.

No death, no life imprisonment but, reparative therapy? No thanks.

Old news, but I don’t mind PepsiCo being in problems. Don’t like any gay bashing singers in Uganda. Not at this particular moment. We have enough of that, thank you.

And, more analysis on whether the bill will be passed or not. No, it is not here because I am quoted… Though that might play a part(!?). But seriously, for the first time, I am seeing some little light at the end of a truly dark tunnel.

Doesn’t do to be very optimistic. Have to continue pushing. Harder, harder, harder. Until this truly terrible bill is quashed. Because, none of the seemingly ‘humane’ things that they are offering instead would work.

Andrew Sullivan encourages me to ‘Know Hope’. Yes, I will. For many reasons. Not least of which that absolute strangers have reached out to help me when I was down. [Tsch! That is the problem with hope. It brings tears to my eyes, and makes me too hopeful!]

But, here are some friends helping out in London, UK.

The picture is from Pink News

Sigh,

let me balance all that talk of hope. With an opinion. From where else but my country. It is very depressing. But, I have to be realistic. It was in todays Daily Monitor.

Now the homosexual debate rages in Kampala. Some ‘donor’ we hear, is so upset by the proposed anti-gay Bill, she has threatened to cut aid to Uganda. Clever civil society groups, most of them patronised by the regime itself, are rehearsing the lie lines. That they love the gays so much, they would even kill for gay rights. Money will flow. If you want some cash for Christmas, form a pro-gay rights group now. Just tell some nice lie and tell it passionately. Those who purport to fight gays and those who purport to love them are just doing business. Closet matters have never been the concern of the legislature, nor of the organised public.

Err, did I say that I do love being a Ugandan?

But, sometimes, it makes me wince. Badly...! Like now!

Cynicism is a built in reflex, with the realities of our world, it seems. But will Ugandans please first drop that bill?

gug