other sheep to engage homosexuality and faith

By Jabulani Dube (BTM Fellow)

Kenya – July 8, 2008: Other Sheep-Kenya - an ecumenical Christian organisation that includes lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex ( LBGTI) people will take part in the forthcoming conference at  Ark Place Hotel in Nairobi, where the international arm (Other Sheep) plays a vital role

Starting from 7 until 9 July, the conference is intending to fight homophobia in Kenya according to Rev. John Makokha of the United Methodist Church (UMC).

“The aim of the seminars is to address both the society's cultural and religious homophobia towards gays and lesbians. <it is to look at the Bible and homosexuality: We seek to generate a grassroots response to religious intolerance and to support communities and individuals that advocate justice and human rights for all persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities”, Makokha explained.

The Reverend, who is pro-gay, referred to the continuation of homophobia in Kenya a ‘national disaster’. He further emphasised that his church is currently working with the community by bringing them together regardless of sexual orientations or gender identity.

The church to keeps silent about homosexuality mostly, but Makokha wants to take homosexuality issues even to government.
 
“Some of the gays we fellowship with cannot tell their pastors and parents because of fear, stigma and rejection. They fear the consequences so much.  Bishops, clergy and laity do not want to hear about LGBTI and yet they are there”, he said.

Makokha and his wife are suffering as a result of being pro LGBTI minister.  “The United Methodist Church in Kenya refused to pay me a salary two years a go because of being pro LGBTI minister”, he claimed.

He also added that recently his wife was stopped from teaching at Nairobi Evengelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST) because of their association with the Other Sheep. This has made them to suffer as allies.

The three-day seminar will be addressed by quality speakers both locally and abroad.

The key speakers include two clergies from Nairobi, Rev. John Makokha (UMC), and Rev. Michael Kimindu, from the Anglican Communion, Anne Baraza, Nairobi counselor, and Peter Wanyama, an out gay Kenyan of Anglican faith and Salome Ochaola, Programme Officer of Kenya National AIDS Control Council (NACC).