Seemingly anti-gay Kenyan bishop encourages LGBTs

Colin Stewart is a 45-year journalism veteran. He is the…

The Rt. Rev. Julius Kalu, Anglican bishop of Mombasa (Photo courtesy of ILGA)

“Gays are worse than terrorists”? That’s what the Anglican bishop of Mombasa, the Right Rev. Julius Kalu, was recently quoted as saying.

But Kalu this month held an eye-opening meeting with a group of gay Christians who had been upset about his quoted remarks.

The meeting was organized by the Rev. Michael Kimindu, president of the pro-LGBTI Christian organization Other Sheep Africa and the founder of Changing Attitude Kenya.

Identify Kenya reported that Kimindu asked LGBTI people at the meeting to introduce themselves to the bishop, stating their sexual orientation, gender identity and religious affiliation.

Under Kenyan law, male homosexual activity is punishable by up to seven years in prison.

Kalu expressed the wish that someday soon LGBTI people will live in a free world without “violence and discrimination.”

He said he is seeking to understand LGBTI people.

“One’s sexual orientation does not determine one’s spiritual orientation,” he said. He added:

My theological professor was a lesbian and my turning point was the Lambeth Conference in 1998. Resolution 1.10 gave room to listening to gay people. After the Conference I have continued to engage a lot in learning about LGBTI people. …

It was not me who said that gays are worse than terrorists. Never. However, all things work together for good to those who love God and I confess to you that that article, however disparaging and infamous, has helped me know a lot about LGBTI people. …

This is my very first time to ever see or even meet with LGBTI people and especially from Kenya. It is indeed a shame to me that I’ve been shepherding to LGBTI people in the Anglican Church when I even don’t know!
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He urged the group to abstain from drugs and follow the teachings of Galatians 5. In that chapter, verses 19-23 state:

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

If LGBTs do that, “God will have no problem with you and I will have no problem with you as a bishop!” Kalu said. “From what I’m gathering from you, I say homosexuality is not a choice but homophobia is.”

For information, see the full article in Identity Kenya “Kenya Anglican Bishop Meets Gays; Refutes Homophobic Remarks.”