Finally

In the better late than never department, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have finally issued a short but pointed statement addressing homophobia, in particular the turn it has taken in Uganda and Nigeria. Citing a 2005 Communiqué of the Primates, the Archbishops reminded all that "the victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us."

The victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us - See more at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org//articles.php/5237/archbishops-recall-commitment-to-pastoral-care-and-friendship-for-all-regardless-of-sexual-orientati#sthash.5zLMMYkW.dpuf

The victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us - See more at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org//articles.php/5237/archbishops-recall-commitment-to-pastoral-care-and-friendship-for-all-regardless-of-sexual-orientati#sthash.5zLMMYkW.dpuf

The victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us - See more at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org//articles.php/5237/archbishops-recall-commitment-to-pastoral-care-and-friendship-for-all-regardless-of-sexual-orientati#sthash.5zLMMYkW.dpuf

The victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us. - See more at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org//articles.php/5237/archbishops-recall-commitment-to-pastoral-care-and-friendship-for-all-regardless-of-sexual-orientati#sthash.5zLMMYkW.dpuf

The victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us. - See more at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org//articles.php/5237/archbishops-recall-commitment-to-pastoral-care-and-friendship-for-all-regardless-of-sexual-orientati#sthash.5zLMMYkW.dpuf

The victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us. - See more at: http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org//articles.php/5237/archbishops-recall-commitment-to-pastoral-care-and-friendship-for-all-regardless-of-sexual-orientati#sthash.5zLMMYkW.dpuf

Recent examples of this diminishment were reported from the Primate of Nigeria, Nicholas Okoh, who is quoted as saying that any support for same-sex relationships represents an effort similar to that made in the Garden of Eden, to "dethrone God" and will "lead to extinction.... It is a dead end and it is not in the interest of humanity." He declared that it is "refusal to accept the scripture for what it is, authority for life and practice following God." Okoh also commended the President of Nigeria for pushing the anti-gay law, which goes far beyond criminalizing same-sex conduct, to prohibit support and association.

We have not seen the end of this. Meanwhile, it is distressing that an Archbishop can take such a narrow and ill-informed reading of Scripture as the primary basis for his thinking. To call it a "literal" reading is an insult to literalism.

Tobias Stanislas Haller BSG

Speaking Up

As you can see, blogging has been light for a bit. However, the lack of reaction from certain church leaders to the dangerous legislation in Nigeria, and actual support from some others, calls for comment. Please consider signing the petition urging the Archbishop of Canterbury to follow up on his earlier protestations against "homophobia." If anything fits the bill, the Nigerian legislation does.

I urge signing this petition fully cognizant of the fact that both England and the US are themselves only recently emerged from a time in which same-sexuality was criminalized. But I don't think either state criminalized mere advocacy for gay rights, as the Nigerian legislation does. This is a violation of the fundamental rights of free speech and association. Even those opposed to normalization of same-sex relations should see the prohibition of advocacy as a human rights issue. And the Archbishop should feel quite comfortable saying so, and speaking out against both the legislation and the bishops who have supported it.

Tobias Stanislas Haller BSG

UPDATE: Pleased to see that the Archbishop of Canterbury has found his voice.