Archbishop of Canterbury: Uganda church should reconsider criminalizing LGBTQ

On Jun 12, 2023

Pope Francis (R) smiles with Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at the end of vespers prayers at the monastery church of San Gregorio al Celio in Rome, Italy, October 5, 2016. REUTERS/Tony Gentile - RTSQWZU

RELIGIOUS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, called on the church of Uganda to reconsider its support for new laws which criminalise LGBTQ people.

In a statement, he spoke of his grief and dismay at the Church of Uganda’s support for the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

The issue of same sex relationships has deeply divided the Anglican Communion, with churches in the global south starting an alternative Anglican group.

The Anglican Communion in London has tried to keep the divided sides together, but the CofE’s decision to bless same sex marriage was the final straw for opponents who publicly withdrew support from the Archbishop as head of the Communion.

This statement is his hardest, clearest judgment on the issue.

He said “there is no justification for any province of the Anglican Communion to support the criminalisation of LGBTQ people: not in our resolutions, our teachings, or the Gospel we share. I make this public statement with sorrow, and with continuing prayers for reconciliation between our churches and across the Anglican Communion”.