Statement from the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda (Anglican) Concerning the Consecration of Gene Robinson of New Hampshire Diocese in the Episcopal Church of America (ECUSA)

November 21, 2003

THE CHURCH OF THE PROVINCE OF UGANDA
Willis Road, Namirembe
P.O. Box 14123, Kampala, Uganda
DATE: November 20, 2003

The House of Bishops of the Church of the Province of Uganda (Anglican) which met at Lweza Training and Conference Centre in the city of Kampala 19th November, 2003 has discussed the recent step taken by the Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA) by consecrating the Rev. Gene Robinson to be the Bishop of New Hampshire Diocese in the Anglican Communion.

The House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda expressed its deep regret and dismay at this unfortunate consciously premeditated decision by both the ECUSA Convention and its bishops to consecrate this openly confessed homosexual (Gene Robinson) as Bishop of New Hampshire Diocese in ECUSA.

As if that was not enough, the ECUSA Convention and bishops have further resolved to sanction the ordination of homosexuals and lesbians to the priesthood, and the blessing of same sex unions. All these steps taken by ECUSA violate the resolution of the Lambeth Conference 1998 which is a conference of all Bishops in the Anglican Communion. Much more, it is contradictory to the teaching of the Holy Scripture which is upheld by all Anglicans as the rule of faith. In the light of the above, the Church of Province of Uganda House of Bishops resolves as follows:

  1. We deplore, abhor and condemn in the strongest possible terms the resolution of ECUSA to consecrate Gene Robinson and all other resolutions related to the ordination of homosexuals and blessings of same sex unions.
  2. We re-affirm the resolution of the Lambeth Conference 1998 1:10 on human sexuality which in part states as follows:

      (b) "In view of the teaching of Scripture, upholds faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in lifelong union, and believes that abstinence is right for those who are not called to marriage."

      (c) "While rejecting homosexual practice as incompatible with scripture, calls on all our people to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual orientation and to condemn irrational fear of homosexuals, violence within marriage and any trivialisation and commercialisation of sex."

      (e) "Can not advise the legitimising or blessing of same sex unions nor ordaining those involved in same gender unions."

    1. The Church of the Province of Uganda (Anglican) cuts her relationship and Communion with the Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA) on their resolution and consequent action of consecrating and enthroning an openly confessed homosexual Gene Robinson as the Bishop of New Hampshire Diocese in the Anglican Communion; and with any other Province that shall follow suit.
    2. Mindful of the fact that there are a number of Dioceses, Parishes and Congregations in the ECUSA, which are opposed to the resolution and action taken by their Convention and are determined to remain faithful to the teaching of Scripture on human sexuality, to those dear brothers and sisters, we extend our solidarity with them and assure them of our continued prayers.

    3. We continue to pray for ECUSA to allow the illumination of the Holy Spirit concerning this unfortunate step they have taken and its possible negative consequences on the whole Church. We pray that they may revisit their decision in this matter.

  3. We want to make it crystal clear that the whole membership of the Church of Uganda uphold in full respect and faith the teaching of the Holy Scriptures and that of our Lord Jesus Christ himself on human sexuality as between a male and female and maintain that any same sex union is a disorder of God's creation.

Signed,

The Most Rev. Dr. Livingstone Mpalanyi Nkoyoyo
Archbishop of the Church of Uganda

Return to the home page