fight homosexuality, kolini tells churches

By Grace Mugabe (The New Times)

December 6, 2007: Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini has called on churches in the East African region to fight against homosexuality for the good of the society.

The leader of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda insisted that Anglican churches in East Africa will not mingle with the homosexuals in the affairs of the church for the good of the community.

"We are reformed Anglicans who want to adhere to the original creeds of the Bible, and that's why our church has decided to ignore the 2008 Lambeth Conference because it has not done much to fight homosexuality in the communion," he said on Sunday.

He was addressing a big congregation gathered for a three-day peace crusade at Remera St. Peter's Church.

The crusade, which was organised by the Anglican Church of Rwanda, brought together Christians from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and hosts Rwanda.

The Anglican Church of Rwanda has been at the forefront in evangelisation and peace building in the world.

The church is known to have given sanctuary to 130 American churches that departed from the Episcopal Church of America after the consecration of gay bishops and pastors.

The 130 American churches operate under the auspices of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda under the banner of "Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMIA)."

Archbishop Kolini also hailed Rwanda's admission to the East African Community (EAC) describing it as a blessing.

He said that this was achieved due to the political will and good governance of the country. He urged Christians to embrace the EAC.

He said it is of paramount importance for the countries in the community to remove boundaries for free movements and interactions of the people of God.

Kolini further observed that Rwanda has become a beacon of hope in the region and urged Great Lakes region populations to emulate the example for regional peace and stability.

The senior prelate told the gathering that the Anglican church of Rwanda will continue to impart messages of peace and hope for the protection of mankind.