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ABUJA: African Anglican Bishops Condemn Homosexuality
New Vision News
10/26/2004
ABUJA (10/26/2004) Africa's top Anglican bishops yesterday announced plans for a network of theological colleges to promote traditional beliefs, after clashing with some Western churches over what one termed the "abomination" of homosexuality.
At a news conference on the eve of the first ever conference of Africa's Anglican prelates, Nigeria's Archbishop Peter Akinola said the bishops did not want their meeting to be dominated by sexuality, which he said was a fringe issue for a continent with much more pressing problems.
He, however, was categorical in his denunciation of the Western dioceses who have ordained homosexual priests, blessed same-sex unions and, in one case, appointed an openly gay bishop.
"What we are saying is that the Bible says that this is an abomination," he said, talking to reporters.
Uganda's Archbishop Henry Orombi said, "The fact is that Africa is rich in theology. It has a traditional culture and it has the most exciting spirituality that can be found anywhere in the world, but it is being ignored by the West."
Some 300 bishops from across Africa are gathering in Lagos, Nigeria, for a week-long conference on issues facing the church.
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