Church of Uganda rejects Church of England’s move on gay unions

Kampala – The General synod of the Church of England which is the overseer of the Anglican faith sat on Thursday at the Church House, Westminster in London and passed several resolutions regarding same sex marriages.

They have decided to allow clergy to preside at blessings of same-sex unions and approved supplemental prayers and liturgies for such occasions.

According to Rev. Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Church of England is in the habit of making contradictory statements and expecting everyone to believe both can be true at the same time.

On one hand, they say that the Church of England has not changed its doctrine of marriage, that marriage is a long union between one man and one woman.

However according to the Archbishop of CoU, they are giving clergy permission to preside at services of blessing for same-sex unions, especially for gay couples who are already considered “married” by the British government. In other words, a gay couple joined together in a civil marriage would then go to the church to receive prayers of blessing.

“The only significant difference between a wedding and a service of “blessing” is the terminology used. The Church of England insists it is not changing its doctrine of marriage. But, in practice, they are doing precisely that. You may read various articles, opinions, and commentaries on this decision that try to justify its action,” Kazimba Mugalu said.

The Bishop of Uganda outlines the Bible’s teachings pertaining to marriage

Now, I want to talk about the position of the Church of Uganda. There have been very many questions about it in light of this terrible decision of the Church of England.

1. First, from the first page of the Bible in the book of Genesis to the last page of the Bible in the book of Revelation, it is clear that God’s design for human flourishing is that we are part of a family – a family that is defined as one man and one woman united in holy matrimony for life and, God willing, a union that produces children. God’s Word has said that the only context for sexual relationships is in the context of a marriage of one man and one woman.
2. Because lifelong, exclusive marriage between one man and one woman is the only context for sexual relationships, the Bible calls any other kind of sexual relationship a sin. Whether it is adultery, or fornication, or polygamy, or homosexual relationships. They are all sin and they all separate us from God.
   a. That means sleeping with your girlfriend or your boyfriend before marriage is a sin.
   b. That means that if you are married and have a “side dish,” that is a sin.
   c. That means that if you take a second or third wife that is a sin.
   d. That means if you engage in homosexual or same-sex sexual relationships, that is a sin.

Yes, God can forgive you, but it requires that you come before God, confess that you have done wrong, and make a commitment to change your way of life – in other words, to repent – and walk in God’s ways.

3. When Jesus was questioned about a woman caught in adultery, he told her to “Go, and sin no more.”

“There is a lot of sexual sin in Uganda. I know that, and you know that. Nevertheless, we haven’t changed our message. Our message is the message of the Bible, which is, “Go, and sin no more.” said archbishop Kazimba

The Church of England is saying sin no more, but also blessing the sin. As Church of Uganda we cannot accept that. God cannot bless what he calls sin

The bishop further called upon children who are back in school, to beware of the well-funded Gay organizations that are recruiting children all over the country into homosexuality especially the vulnerable by making  financial promises.

“To our youth – if someone invites you to a function and offers you a big transport refund, those are probably bad people. Say no to it. And, if you have already been exploited or abused by such groups, please go to your Bishop for prayer, support, and guidance. You will be received with love and compassion,” the Archbishop said.

“To our Head teachers – if an organization is bringing money and resources to your school, or inviting your students to a function, do your research. Make sure you know who they really are,” said the Archbishop.

My fellow Ugandans, we cannot serve God and money. Do not lose your soul because you think you will gain the whole world through the money they offer you. Do not think you can take the money, but not fall into their trap. It’s a lie; you are being exploited with that money.

The Bible say; Resist the devil and he will flee from you. So, just say, NO

I am here today to declare, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!”