Priest in homosexuality row demands apology from church

Colin Stewart is a 45-year journalism veteran living in Southern…

The Rev. James Maina Maigua (left) and Bishop Joseph Kagunda. (Photos courtesy of Nairobi News/Nation)

A priest in the Anglican Church of Kenya who was suspended over alleged homosexuality has told a court that he will only resume pastoral duties after the church apologizes and pays him damages for defamation.

Nairobi News reported:

An Anglican Church priest, who was suspended over alleged homosexuality, has told a court that he can only resume pastoral duties once the Mt Kenya West Diocese Bishop Joseph Kagunda issues an apology.

Mr James Maina Maigua [last week] told Justice Abigail Mshila of the High Court in Nyeri that the bishop linked him to gayism without evidence, and without conducting proper investigations.

He said he was ready to resume his ministerial duties, but the bishop must offer an apology through the media and compensate him for defamation.

The Rev. James Maina Maigua, Archdeacon John Njogu Gachau, and the Rev. Paul Mwangi Warui at Nyeri Law Courts in Kenya (Faith Nyamai photo courtesy of The Nation) — The Rev. James Maina Maigua, Archdeacon John Njogu Gachau, and the Rev. Paul Mwangi Warui at Nyeri Law Courts in Kenya in 2017. (Faith Nyamai photo courtesy of The Nation)

Mr Maigua, who was suspended from preaching in the church and had his preaching licence annulled, said he was ex-communicated by the bishop through a letter.

He was suspended alongside Reverends John Gachau and Paul Warui. The trio filed separate suits against the bishop, seeking compensation for defamation.