Faith leaders speak out on killing of Ugandan LGBT activist David Kato
Members of the National Religious Leadership Roundtable (NRLR), convened by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, are speaking out on the brutal killing of Ugandan LGBT activist David Kato. The Task Force, which has been outspoken against Uganda’s proposed “Anti-Homosexuality Bill,” reported on the killing yesterday. A funeral was held for Kato in his home village near the Ugandan capital, Kampala.
NRLR member the Rev. Susan Russell, a leader in the Episcopal LGBT group Integrity, told USA Today:
So where’s the voice of the church condemning this and other acts of violence against LGBT people? When will the Archbishop of Canterbury speak out on behalf of the voiceless victims of homophobia across the Communion he is so anxious to preserve?
Task Force faith work director and NRLR member the Rev. Rebecca Voelkel stated:
Rev. Canon Susan Russell has it exactly right when she asks us to consider the impact of our words and actions. Jesus, in the Scriptures, invites us to know someone by their ‘fruits.’ That is, what do our words and actions inspire? What legacy do we leave? Surely our God calls us to leave legacies of love and justice, not fear-mongering.
Archbishop condemns murder of Ugandan gay human rights activist
Friday 28 January 2011
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who is currently in Dublin for the Primates’ meeting, has made the following statement regarding the murder of the gay human rights activist David Kato Kisulle in Uganda:
“The brutal murder of David Kato Kisule, a gay human rights activist, is profoundly shocking. Our prayers and deep sympathy go out for his family and friends – and for all who live in fear for their lives. Whatever the precise circumstances of his death, which have yet to be determined, we know that David Kato Kisule lived under the threat of violence and death. No one should have to live in such fear because of the bigotry of others. Such violence has been consistently condemned by the Anglican Communion worldwide. This event also makes it all the more urgent for the British Government to secure the safety of LGBT asylum seekers in the UK. This is a moment to take very serious stock and to address those attitudes of mind which endanger the lives of men and women belonging to sexual minorities.”