bishops condemn homosexuality

By Samuel Otieno (The East African Standard - Nairobi) Source: Allafrica.com

February 16, 2007: The Association of Evangelicals in Africa has expressed dismay over the rising culture of homosexuality within the African churches.

"This kind of behaviour is predicated on Western influence on the Church and should be condemned in the strongest terms possible," said the association's regional President in East Africa, Bishop Dr Arthur Kitonga.

Kitonga said the association "abhors" gay and lesbian relationships in the church.

"Such relationships are unbiblical, against God's plan and diminishes human dignity," Kitonga said on Friday.

The bishop, who was addressing a Press conference in Nairobi, said the association supports churches that are against gay marriages in Africa.

Said the bishop: "We will have no ties with whoever is involved with this kind of behaviour. Let the Church be the Church."

He said the Church, as a role model for the world, must not compromise its integrity by supporting or condoning such marriages.

He urged churches to subject all those practising homosexuality to counselling to relieve them from sin.

"Gay is not biblical, it is satanic and we cannot entertain sin in the Church," he said.

Kitonga was flanked by Bishop Pallaneyo of New Hope for All Nations Church, Pastor Timothy Gathirimu of the Let God Be God Ministry and the Reverend James Mungania, the overseer of central region of the Redeemed Gospel Church.

At the same time, the association endorsed the re-election of Bishop Silas Yego as the Head of the African Inland Church three days ago.

Kitonga termed Yego's re-election as "a great boost" to the growth of AIC and the association.