The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Church, has called upon the clergy in Uganda to denounce a newly approved anti-gay law enacted by President Yoweri Museveni. Archbishop Welby firmly stated that there is no justification for Anglicans to lend support to legislation that contradicts Christian teachings.
Expressing his deep concern, Archbishop Welby personally reached out to Stephen Kaziimba, the head of the Anglican Church in Uganda, conveying his “grief and dismay” regarding the church’s endorsement of the law. The leader of the global Anglican community emphasized the importance of upholding compassion and understanding towards the LGBTQ+ community, aligning with the inclusive principles of Christianity.
Under this new law, engaging in homosexual activities is punishable by life imprisonment, while the law deems “aggravated homosexuality,” including the transmission of HIV, as a crime deserving the death penalty. These severe penalties reflect a troubling violation of human rights and raise significant concerns within the international community.
Archbishop Welby’s appeal seeks to promote dialogue and encourage the reconsideration of this discriminatory legislation, urging the Anglican Church in Uganda to embrace a stance that aligns with the fundamental values of equality and compassion.
