Reconciling Ministries Network

Sexuality and Gender Equality Seminar Held in Nairobi, Kenya

The conference on sexuality and gender equality was held at Biblica Guest House, from April 27th to May 1st, 2010. It was organized by the Centre for Research and Innovation for Change [CRIC]. About 50 participants comprised of theologians and university lecturers from East Africa and Southern Africa, civil society and human rights organizations, lawyers, and LGBTI organizations such as Gay Lesbian Coalition of Kenya [GALCK], I am Ministry, and Other Sheep Kenya.

The theme of the conference was “Exploring Stepping Stones: Sexual Identity and Gender Equality.” Rev. John Makokha, Riruta United Methodist Reconciling church minister and Other Sheep Kenya, Country Coordinator presented a paper entitled: “Breaking the Silence and Elimination of Stigma on LGBTI.”

The participants deliberated on historical and contemporary issues concerning human sexuality and ethical concerns, culture, language, mental health and human rights. It was observed that the African worldview on sexuality has been challenged but answers must reflect human dignity and human rights. Sexuality is an integral part of the first humans as shown in the African myths and proverbs. Our desire is regulated from birth in African tradition. The challenge of language and values reflect how sexual desire is regulated in the community. Culture is an information conveyor that makes language an important tool in any given community.

There is need to restore hope and purpose by breaking the silence and eliminating stigma and suffering associated with religious homophobia and transphobia among sexual minorities and their families. Ethical and theological principles of hermeneutics used to perpetuate apartheid and homophobia can also be used to undo discrimination and exclusion.

The conference participants recommended that there should be an agenda of change of attitudes, knowledge and perspectives that inform values with respect to human sexuality. This should be expanded with a view of reaching out to diverse audiences. There is need to holistically build on existing empirical research from African perspectives on human sexuality at all levels of the society. The gap between the research and action approaches that inform the discourse on human sexuality and gender equality and equity needs to be addressed. From the African context, there is an urgent need to build on dialogical research education.

In the spirit of dialogue using the analogy of stepping stones, there is need for a multidisciplinary approach to human sexuality and more openness to dialogue with stakeholders across all spheres of life. This can be vital in building bridges on issues of human sexuality in the African context. The conference participants identified the need for leadership capacity building from interfaith community to embrace the realities of human sexuality and gender. There is need for sensitization of leaders across all sectors of society on human sexuality. And introduce and conduct a transformative assessment to identify other key stakeholders including minority groups in relation to human sexuality. The outcome of the assessment will include an action plan for the follow up with each stakeholder identified and new ways to engage religious institutions and opinion leaders at every level of the society.

They observed that in creating a just, harmonious and peaceful relationship between individuals and communities, there is urgency to identify areas and spheres where sexual minorities can significantly contribute to the wider society. This can be done through folk media and modes of communication to affirm the dignity of all persons irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity. By all means, both legal and cultural justification to all forms of violence to be eradicated and that advocacy for more humane polices and framework be established.

The participants reaffirmed that dialogue on human sexuality at various levels of society should guarantee engagement of all stakeholders. This dialogue should be grounded on the principles of respect for human dignity, quality and non-discrimination. They noted that creation of safe spaces remain an integral part to the establishment of supportive environments that enable dialogue on human sexuality and gender in Africa. For the discourse on human sexuality and gender equality and equity to be meaningful, the spiritual, legal, economic and spiritual dimensions must be discerned. They underscored the urgency need to address stigma, discrimination, violence and intimidation of LGBTI. The Ecumenical movement in partnership with leading human sexuality and gender institutions has a critical role to play, especially in providing leadership and addressing human sexuality and gender concerns.

There is need for appropriate infrastructure and policies that guarantee and protect the rights of individuals regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Rev. Michael Kimindu, Other Sheep East Africa Coordinator and Mrs. Anne Baraza, CEO Riruta United Empowerment Programme NGO also attended the conference.

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The Rev. John Makokha is senior pastor of Riruta UMC in Nairobi, Kenya. He earned his B.Ed. Degree at the University of Nairobi and served as graduate teacher at Maji Mazuri High School. There, he taught Kiswahili and history and communications skills. In addition, he was a counselor, mentor, drama patron and chaired the school’s HIV/AIDS association. He was ordained as a minister in the Triumphant Pentecostal Church and served as a pastor in a Free Methodist Church. After earning an M.A. degree in Missions at Nairobi Evangelical School of Theology, he started Riruta United Methodist Church, the only Reconciling Ministry in Africa.

Other Sheep Kenya Held PFLAG Seminar in Nakuru

by Rev. John Makokha

Other Sheep Kenya held seminar for parents, friends of lesbian and gay (PFLAG) persons in Nakuru on Feb 19. A total number of 32 participants attended the one day workshop. The seminar theme was “Sexuality and homophobia/transphobia in view of religious dogma”.

The participants were drawn from Muslim, Seventh Day Adventist, Supkem, United Methodist Church, Friends church, Reconciling Ministries Network, Family Hope, Human Rights Network, , Mid Rift Human rights Network, God’s Family Church, Africa Independent Pentecostal church, Catholic church, Integrity, Changing Attitude, Kinship International, Home Vision Kenya, St. Joseph Youth Center, Brahma Kumaris, Kenya Youth Alliance, Teachers, Thairira widows, and Anglican church.

Rev. Michael Kimindu; Other Sheep East Africa Coordinator  said that what happened in coastal town of Mombasa, Mtwapa where gay rights were attacked was a result of homophobia and transphobia catapulted by religious dogma. He said “Let us respect sexuality and human rights and focus on God who is love”.

He said that Jesus Christ welcomed the marginalized and discriminated persons in the Jewish culture such as Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children and lepers. This was the voice of inclusion filled with compassion that we should emulate.

He said that the Anti-Homosexuality Bill being debated in Uganda if it becomes law then life will be tough for all people. Other Sheep wishes that this draft does not see the rise of sunshine.

Rev. John Makokha; Other Sheep Kenya Coordinator said that throughout history of mankind, religion has been used to spearhead oppression, racism, patriarchy, slavery and ignorance. He told religious leaders of Abrahamic faiths such as Christianity and Islam to study beyond the holy books, the new researched knowledge such as psychology, psychiatry and anthropology on matters of sexuality. Theology should also grow like any other discipline.

He said that homosexuality is very African and LGBTI are our brothers, sisters and friends. He said “It is un African to hate your neighbor or kill your neighbor because of his sexual orientation”.

He advised religious leaders and community organizations to come up with MSM/ WSW HIV/AIDS Initiatives in order to effectively prevent the spread of HIV, and care and treatment of infected partners. He said “Kenya National AIDS strategic plan (KNASP 111) recognizes an outreach to MSM. The men who have sex with men are considered the most-at-risk population. However, there is a contradiction when homosexuality is still outlawed in Kenya.

He said that sexual orientation is never chosen but discovered. The Committee of Experts on Constitutional review should ensure that the rights of LGBTI and asexual persons are protected just like heterosexuals. It is social injustice for the rights of sexual minorities to be ignored in our religious institutions in our independent nation.

Anne Baraza; Other Sheep Kenya Counselor said that religious leaders and community organizations need to enhance LGBTI peer counseling and education. She said that research by reputable institutions has shown that being gay is not mental illness.

She said most counselors in Africa do not know how to handle LGBTI persons who seek their professional services. They are also homophobic. She stressed that it was frustrating for an LGBTI client to face a homophobic counselor, pastor or Imam.

She advised parents to be close to their children so that these children can open up and even be free to share with them issues affecting them like sexual orientation. She lamented that parents are ‘very busy’ that they don’t have time to know their children better. When they come to learn about their children’s sexual orientation they then rush to any counselor with the notion of changing this ‘queer behavior.’ Unfortunately these counselors start on the exodus journey which ends up in futility.

Pastor Jackson, Other Sheep Kenya Rift Valley Coordinator and SDA minister said that research has shown that gays are intelligent and people of integrity. They are doing excellent work in various careers and professions in our nation. He said “They are contributing towards the national building just like heterosexuals”.

Peter Wanyama, Other Sheep Kenya treasurer talking about the challenges facing the gay community noted the gay unfriendly medical providers such as VCT and clinical treatment. He said one doctor screamed when the patient explained to him about his anal sexual intercourse.

The seminar participants made the following observations;

1. The Kiswahili term “shoga” referring to gay was culturally unacceptable since contextually it means gay commercial sex workers. It demeans sexual orientation. They suggested a proper translation to be found.
   
2. They requested for more seminars lasting 3 to 5 days for them to understand sexual orientation and on how to handle LGBTI in their respective communities.
   
3. They need more LGBTI peer counseling and education seminars to be equipped with knowledge and skills since they confessed the gay community in Nakuru is high.
   
4. They requested some sexual orientation seminar for the deaf persons who have been ignored and yet they exist.
   
5. They expected Other Sheep Kenya to have a safe house and resource center for further studies and research materials.
   
6. The current Christian Religious Education syllabus in Kenya categorizes Homosexuality under immorality.
7. The participants requested Other Sheep to make a formal appeal to the ministry of education to differentiate sexual orientation from sexual behavior.
   
8. They requested to be given seminar participation certificates in future.
   

PS: These seminars were made possible with the grant support from UHAI-EASHRI

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The Rev. John Makokha is senior pastor of Riruta UMC in Nairobi, Kenya. He earned his B.Ed. Degree at the University of Nairobi and served as graduate teacher at Maji Mazuri High School. There, he taught Kiswahili and history and communications skills. In addition, he was a counselor, mentor, drama patron and chaired the school’s HIV/AIDS association. He was ordained as a minister in the Triumphant Pentecostal Church and served as a pastor in a Free Methodist Church. After earning an M.A. degree in Missions at Nairobi Evangelical School of Theology, he started Riruta United Methodist Church, the only Reconciling Ministry in Africa.

Other Sheep Kenya 2009 Report

Warm greetings from Other Sheep Kenya. Other Sheep Kenya- Multicultural Ministries with sexual minorities is an ecumenical organization that focuses its work primarily on the religious and social justice for LGBTI persons. This organization seeks to empower sexual minorities and their families and friends (PFLAG) with the message that God loves all LGBTI persons as they are and invites them into inclusive and gay-affirming faith communities.

The main purpose of the organization is to restore hope and purpose and eradicate stigma and suffering among the sexual minorities and their families in Kenya. According to needs assessment carried out by Other Sheep Kenya, there is still a high degree of religious homophobia and transphobia in Kenya. It is evident that most LGBTI in Kenya are living in fear and in the closet. Some have met both physical and spiritual violence making them to run a way and live in isolation; sometimes seeking asylum in other countries where their human rights can be respected.

There are a number of LGBTI who do not go to any faith based institution because of homophobic sermons that are often preached by the clergy. There are some LGBTI who have been thrown out of their families and suffering in isolation because of their sexual orientation. The one million dollar question- Would Jesus discriminate?

The teachers in our high schools in Kenya have heavily punished students who are gay and lesbian due to ignorance about matters of human sexuality. There are some youth who have committed suicide because of realizing that they are gay or lesbian and cannot change their sexual orientation. These teachers need serious training sessions on matters of youth and sexuality. Other Sheep Kenya is dreaming to provide this forum, when resources allow.

We are grateful to UHAI-EASHRI based in Nairobi who awarded Other Sheep Kenya a grant of 2000 USD for the project of capacity building of clergy and laity on matters of LGBTI in Kenya and the purchase of a power point projector. This grant helped us run a total of three seminars/workshops in Kisumu and Nairobi for 50 participants. We also distributed researched literature on the Bible, science and sexual orientation. This grant has also helped us to build coalitions and collaborations with other LGBTI affirming organizations/individuals in the country. We have also intensified our LGBTI and PFLAG counseling programs despite the biggest challenge of lack of adequate infrastructure.

Other Sheep Kenya was also invited to attend the regional changing Faces Changing Spaces conference organized by UHAI-EASHRI for LGBTI organizations in Nairobi in September. I participated in the conference and facilitated the discussion on the challenges of HIV/AIDS and health issues in regard to LGBTI and commercial sex workers. We also had a golden opportunity to dialogue with both local and international donors. The programs officer of Ford Foundation in eastern Africa, Dr. Willy Mutunga recognized and applauded the excellent work being done by Other Sheep Kenya by using interesting biblical interpretation to address religious homophobia and transphobia. He wished this initiative could be further encouraged.

Michael Heflin and Anne Gathumbi from Open Society Institute held a meeting with Other Sheep Kenya national board on the possibility of partnership, networking and resource mobilization to address LGBTI special initiative in Kenya. The registration of Other Sheep Kenya is still being pursued by our lawyer with the government of Kenya. The lawyer has confirmed that despite the stumbling blocks the process has reached the birth pangs.

We are grateful for those friends who contributed 600 USD towards this official registration process. I have continued to write articles on human sexuality issues as the Reconciling Ministries Africa Author. This has encouraged me to interact with not only the reconciling United Methodist global community but the rest of the reconciling family of God. This interaction has been the best forum of learning and sharing our respective LGBTI ministry experiences.

We are also grateful to Rev. Steve Parelli for the excellent work he has been doing in the area of communication using e-news that reaches about 5000 people globally. This has highlighted our seminars and activities immensely with our friends and supporters. Interest groups are now freely discussing about the issue of sexual orientation in both print and electronic media in Kenya. Other Sheep Kenya played a key role in challenging the Uganda anti-homosexuality bill 2009 as discrimination and injustice based on sexual orientation. We appreciate the e-news mobilization effort that requested Dr. Douglas Carew, Vice Chancellor of Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of theology and other prominent African evangelical leaders to denounce the homophobic and biased article on homosexuality in the African bible commentary. Dr. Carew was my best hermeneutics professor when I was his student, and I hope he will respond appropriately.

The most challenging moment for OSK was when Peter Wanyama, our treasurer was fatally attacked in his neighborhood because of his sexual orientation. This matter was reported to the police but no serious follow-up and action has been taken. We are afraid that justice may not take place because of the homophobic security agents.

Kenya is at a critical moment in the construction of a democracy inclusive of diversity and based on respect for human rights through a new constitution that is still in draft. The draft is supposed to be debated for the next few months and views collected from the citizens for consideration for inclusion in the final constitution that shall be subjected to a national referendum. However, the issue of LGBT continues to draw negative reactions from those purportedly having the upper hand in the constitution making process by virtue of their position in Government and society. It is evident that majority of citizens happen to discriminate and reject LGBT because of their sexual orientation and this becomes business as usual.

My wife, Anne and I were awarded the finalist Voice in the Wilderness certificate by Reconciling Ministries Network in Colorado, USA. This was in recognition of working for the full inclusion of people in the church and social justice without any discrimination despite lack of support. We are grateful for this great honor. This is an award for all allies and LGBTI in Africa.

Other Sheep Kenya still hopes to seek financial support from our donor partners to accomplish the following objectives;

• To continue with the social justice project on capacity building and advocacy programs for clergy and laity to address homophobia and transphobia that is evil in the community.
• Establish Other Sheep Kenya resource center in Nairobi where people can access literature on human sexuality since education can transform the hearts and ears of people.
• To educate and train Guidance and Counseling teachers and lecturers on issues of youth and sexuality/ human rights.
• To endeavor to educate the LGBTI persons and PFLAG on the effects of substance/drug abuse and peace /justice and reconciliation in the midst of diversity in the community.
• To conduct HIV/AIDS and STDs prevention, care, treatment and support of infected and affected sexual minorities using a faith based approach in Kenya. Establish an LGBTI friendly medical center in Nairobi.
• Establish a fully functional office with remunerated local and international volunteer staff who will be motivated to work in these tough circumstances.
• To initiate a safe house for LGBTI who face both spiritual and physical violence from the society.
• A vehicle for transport to carry OSK workshop/seminar materials and local and international volunteers facilitating in our LGBTI projects in Kenya.
• Development of OSK strategic plan that will cover a period of ten years.

My deep appreciation also goes to OSK team that has sacrificed to work in a hostile environment to address the monster of homophobia and transphobia since in our nation homosexuality is a taboo. These are; Rev. Michael Kimindu- Chairman OSK, Peter Wanyama- Finance and Administration, Anne Baraza- Counseling Coordinator/PFLAG, Fabian Wangari- MSM HIV/AIDS Initiative Coordinator, Rev. Daniel Oigo- Western Kenya Coordinator, Gift Muli- Coast/Eastern Kenya Coordinator and Geoffrey Kamau- Central Kenya Coordinator.

Thank you all LGBTI persons, both in the closet and outed. Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement.

I wish you a happy and reconciling new year 2010.

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The Rev. John Makokha is senior pastor of Riruta UMC in Nairobi, Kenya. He earned his B.Ed. Degree at the University of Nairobi and served as graduate teacher at Maji Mazuri High School. There, he taught Kiswahili and history and communications skills. In addition, he was a counselor, mentor, drama patron and chaired the school’s HIV/AIDS association. He was ordained as a minister in the Triumphant Pentecostal Church and served as a pastor in a Free Methodist Church. After earning an M.A. degree in Missions at Nairobi Evangelical School of Theology, he started Riruta United Methodist Church, the only Reconciling Ministry in Africa.

Other Sheep Kenya Holds PFLAG Seminar in Nairobi

by John Makokha

Other Sheep Kenya in collaboration with Riruta United Women Empowerment Programme NGO held a seminar on human sexuality and homophobia in Nairobi on 21st November, 2009. The 15 participants were drawn from the Catholic Church, United Methodist Church, Anglican, Metropolitan Community Church, Friends Church, Kenyatta University, Teachers, High School Students, Women Community leaders, Reconciling Ministries Network and Changing Attitude.

Rev. Michael Kimindu, Other Sheep East Africa Coordinator said that homophobia and transphobia has to be addressed at all levels of the society. He gave an example of the government of Uganda that had come up with a Bill to criminalize homosexuality with life sentences and death penalties. “Other Sheep has done a lot of mobilization against this Anti-homosexuality Bill 2009 by appealing to the whole world community to reject it”.

He said that the Kenyan Committee of Experts on the drafting of the new constitution has lacked courage to recognize and protect the rights of LGBTI in the draft. He described the committee’s decision as “homophobic and transphobia”.

He blamed the church for all the problems we are having of oppression, discrimination, power hungry, racism, tribalism, nepotism, gossip, and hypocrisy. “Go to the church and you will get all these menu”.

Rev. John Makokha said that the mission of Other Sheep Kenya is an ecumenical organization that works for tolerance and inclusion of LGBTI in their respective faith based institutions, society and family. “Discrimination based on homophobia and transphobia is sin, and if Jesus was to come back today, he would go to the gay bashes”.

He said we cannot have an HIV-Free generation if there is discrimination against sexual minorities on the basis of their sexual orientation. Research has shown that stigma, discrimination and criminalization faced by homosexuals are major barriers for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. “We have to promote HIV/AIDS programs for men who have sex with men, and women who have sex with women for us to succeed in the Total War against Aids (TOWA) in Kenya.”

Anne Baraza, CEO of Riruta United Women Empowerment Programme NGO and Advisory Counselor of Other Sheep said that serious education and counseling for Parents, Friends of Lesbian and Gay persons and even transgender and intersex persons was important in Africa. “We need to double our work in this area.” She said that her programs will mainly target women since they are the ones who give birth to both heterosexual and homosexual babies. History has shown that women can change the world view of the society.

She said that there are a lot of LGBTI suffering from stigma and discrimination in our society due to ignorance on matters of human sexuality. This has made some to turn to drug abuse since nobody is concerned about them. “Let us listen to the concerns of LGBTI with open ears and open minds with the heart of God”.

A Catholic Priest appreciated the trainings that Other Sheep was doing using interesting Biblical and theological interpretation. He gave a wakeup call to psychological counselors in Africa to tell people the truth about issues of homosexuality without sounding homophobic in order to please their religious institutions and the society.

Another Catholic priest said that sexual orientation is about nature and not nurture. This is about human nature that has existed throughout the history of mankind. “This is the education that should go to our people in Africa”.

A high school teacher and a mother of four teenage sons said that the biggest worry about homosexuality in Africa is lack of procreation. According to African traditions men marry women so that they can carry the name of the family through child bearing. “People who have no children do not have a good standing in the family and society. They are treated as social outcasts and even when they die, they are not given a decent burial”.

The organization of this seminar was made possible with the grant from Uhai-Eashri (East Africa Sexual Rights Initiative).

Open Letter to Bishop Wandabula About Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Dear Bishop Wandabula,

Warm greetings in the name of Jesus Christ.

I am writing to you in view of the Ugandan Anti-homosexuality Bill 2009 that proposes death penalty for homosexuals.  I am requesting for your voice and position on this matter. I know you are respectable and influential religious leader in Uganda. You are also doing a tremendous job for the expansion of the gospel of Christ not only in Uganda but the entire East Africa Annual Conference. I have heard some of your preaching about social justice, peace, non-discrimination and reconciliation. I wish these adjectives could also apply to wonderful LGBTI persons in your loving country, Uganda.

As the influential bishop of the East Africa annual conference you cannot look on and watch your own parliament of Uganda enact harsh laws against homosexuals who are also the children of God. I am begging you in the name of God to advise your government to stop this inhumane bill from becoming law.

This bill will make life unbearable for LGBTI persons in Uganda who are our brothers, sisters, friends and flock. You are aware God’s love does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of sexual orientation.

It would be interesting to know from your perspectives on the following questions;

1. Do you support the discrimination, segregation, stigmatization, repression and the killing of homosexuals as a solution to homosexuality in Uganda?
2. Do you support the Ugandan Anti-homosexuality Bill 2009 that proposes death penalty for homosexuals?
3. What is the position of East Africa Annual Conference on the Ugandan Anti-homosexuality bill 2009?
4. What do you propose for the LGBTI allies who “promote homosexuality” in Uganda and the larger East Africa Annual Conference (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Southern Sudan)?

I wish you could influence other influential Christian leaders in Uganda using your central office about the negative implications of this bill.

Thank you for your possible timely intervention to help our suffering brothers and sisters in Uganda.

Peace and Justice,

Rev.John Makokha,
Other Sheep Country Coordinator-Kenya/Riruta UMC Minister

Regional LGBTI Conference Held in Nairobi

By Rev. John Makokha

There 2^nd Regional Changing Faces Changing Spaces Conference was held in a Nairobi hotel on 28-30, September, 2009. Both local and international LGBTI and sex worker activists participated in the conference. The conference was organized by UHAI-Eashri.

The participants were drawn from Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Kenya. The donor community was also represented.

The participants noted that there was need for more support for LGBTI issues because of oppression from governments and religious fundamentalists. They recognized the stress, frustrations and strain placed on LGBTI and sex worker activists in East Africa.

One activist said, “We need to understand the strategy that is being used to slow us down, to drag us, and control us.” The community needs to provide space for discussion on issues of sexuality so as to influence the community to think differently.

On the spread of HIV/AIDS among the LGBTI, it was noted that just giving people condoms and lubricants does not influence people’s sexual behavior. The LGBTI face challenges of affordability, confidentiality and quality health care due to poverty, ignorance and scorning by healthcare providers. Prevention of HIV/AIDS requires a holistic approach. LGBTI need serious affirmative action in terms of holistic health care.

The participants discussed the importance of LGBTI engaging in other issues of national importance such as substance and drug abuse, sexual violence, peace and justice.

There was need for capacity building of staff in terms of inductions so that workers can understand their core business.  The participants underscored the role of networking, information sharing and coalition building in addressing LGBTI projects.

It was noted that LGBTI need psychosocial support due to homophobia and transphobia.

Other Sheep Kenya was represented by Rev.John Makokha (one of the panelists on Holistic health care for LGBTI), Anne Baraza and Peter Wanyama.

 

Other Sheep Kenya Holds Seminar in Nairobi

By John Makokha

Other Sheep Kenya held a seminar in a Nairobi hotel on August 22, 2009 called “Religion and Sexuality in an African Cultural Context.”  The 25 participants were drawn from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community as well as Parents, Friends of Lesbian and Gay (PFLAG).

The participants came from diverse religious backgrounds and organization such as the United Methodist Church, Baptist church, Anglicans, Kenya Assemblies of God, Catholic Church, Metropolitan Community Church, Nairobi Pentecostal Church, Apostolic Church, Redeemed Gospel Church, Islam, Changing Attitude, Reconciling Ministries Network, Ishtar MSM, Daystar University and the United States International University (USIU).

Rev. Henry Mayor (Retired Anglican minister from UK) and director of Changing Attitude said that he came to Kenya to help the Anglican Church discuss homosexuality. He facilitated on Changing Attitude: The European Experience of LGBTI ministry.  He had raised funds to train 40 Anglican clergy in the Bondo diocese in Kenya:  “This is a big step since a journey of a thousand miles start with a single step.”  Changing Attitude is linking up with Anglican groups around the world to officially accept LGBTI people in the Anglican Church.

Mayor said that there are people who say being gay is not African, but a western import.  Said Mayor, “Our organization is devoted to changing the attitude of the Anglican Church towards homosexuals.”  He believes his calling is from God: “There is no human being who is normal except Jesus Christ”.

He said that homosexuality has caused the great sin of dividing Christianity. Christians should love all people without discrimination based on sexual orientation.  The Christian community must change their attitude and be positive about LGBTI persons:  Stated Mayor, “Bishop Gene Robinson is such a wonderful Christian."

Rev. Michael Kimindu (MCC/Anglican minister and Other Sheep East Africa Coordinator) said that there are people whom the clergy and laity do not accept in the church such as divorcees, homosexuals, people living with AIDS, polygamists and alcoholics: “These are the other sheep.”

Kimindu said that sexual orientation is not an issue that is to be fought but accepted. Religious leaders should serve God by serving the vulnerable, including LGBTI persons. The gospel is not about hate but about repentance, reconciliation and renewal. Jesus did not die so that our sexual orientation can change, but our hearts.  As Mayor poignantly stated, “Hatred and isolation do not constitute the grace of God and Christ’s mind is love”.

Mayor continued that there are thousands of LGBTI persons who think God hates them. The message from Other Sheep is that God loves you.

Rev. John Makokha (United Methodist minister and Other Sheep Kenya Coordinator) said that most LGBTI persons who grapple with their sexual orientation have abandoned the church in Kenya: “You cannot worship God in a church where everyone is breathing homophobia.”

Scientific research has shown that sexual orientation is not a religious issue but a biological issue.

Makokha explained that Riruta United Methodist Church has officially moved out of the East Africa Annual Conference due to homophobia, isolation and rejection by the leadership.  Riruta UMC is the only reconciling church in Africa and it is now seeking to align itself to other annual conference/church outside Africa that shares its vision and mission of inclusiveness and love of Christ for all people.

Anne Baraza (Other Sheep Advisory Counselor and Riruta United Methodist Women President) said that LGBTI persons are a minority in Kenyan society and their needs are unlikely to be a burden to their clergy or congregation: “Sexual orientation is not chosen but intrinsic”.

Mrs. Baraza said that many LGBTI have traveled a difficult road due to depression, stigma and isolation perpetrated by the religious community: “I have had clients who have testified that they have visited charismatic conservative evangelical clergy to cast out demons/witchcraft of homosexuality to no avail.”  As Christians, we should be concerned with looking below the surface to the real person.

She told the clergy to attend to the LGBTI as they would to any other children of God for whom Christ died. The LGBTI community should not be judged, rejected or condemned, since they have experienced much pain and hurt already.  Baraza stated that “some have sought suicide as a way out.”  The clergy were advised to be there for the LGBTI community in the name of the Lord and help them walk on their journey of faith.

She advised the LGBTI community to not create room for heterosexuals to attack them: “You cannot hate homosexuals without understanding them. Start mingling with heterosexuals and when opportunity allows bring up the topic of homosexuality. Try to correct them where they are misinformed or under informed about homosexuals. This is one sure way of breaking the ice existing between the two.”

Peter Wanyama ( Anglican/Other Sheep Kenya Treasurer) said that some of the challenges facing the LGBTI community in Kenya include access to health care, high HIV/AIDS infection rates, self stigmatization, religious bias, security threats and lack of legal representation on homosexual related cases.

The participants recommended more seminars, especially for PFLAG, and counseling to address issues affecting them and their children.  The issue on HIV/AIDS came up, and the participants noted that homosexuals are at a higher risk of being infected, so it should be given serious attention. Capacity building programs should be put in place to address issues affecting them.

This seminar was a success due to the grant acquired from UHAI-EASHRI (East Africa Sexual and Health Rights Initiative).

Other Sheep Kenya Travels to Kisumu

By Rev. John Makokha

Other Sheep Kenya held a one day workshop for clergy and laity drawn mostly from the Anglican Church at hotel Naselica in Kisumu, Kenya on July 18, 2009. The theme of the seminar was “Religion and Sexuality in our African Context.”  A total of 12 participants attended the seminar.

These seminars have been supported by the grant from Uhai- Eashri (East Africa Sexuality, Health Rights Initiative).

Rev. Michael Kimindu (Anglican/MCC clergy and Other Sheep East Africa Coordinator) facilitated the seminar on “Religion and Homophobia” and stated that the hate on same sex relationships is due to ignorance, intolerance, bigotry and fear.   Said Kimindu, “When the church promotes homophobia, it negates our call since salvation is for all" (Isaiah 56: 7-8).

Kimindu continued that the gospel is not about hate, isolation and exclusion, but it is about reconciliation, repentance and renewal.  “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither male nor female and there is neither heterosexual nor homosexual.”  He emphasized that we are all one in Christ.

Moreover, Kimindu recognized that there are thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) persons who believe God hates them because of their sexuality. Negative reaction without in-depth research or study of sexual orientation issues has made things worse. Church leaders have repeated the negative spiritual messages instead of what God teaches: love.

Kimindu suggests that “Our politicians and church leaders have used the weapon of homophobia to get votes into positions of power and influence and have continued to reinforce this negative message through inaction and failure to protect the rights of all.”

Rev. John Makokha (UMC minister and Other Sheep Kenya Coordinator) facilitated “African Culture and Sexuality” and stated that Africans do not like talking openly about issues of sex.  However, the traditional African dancing styles are full of sexy tones and styles.  The best example is Isukuti dance among the Luhyias and the Bukusu songs that are very sexy.  “Sex is sweet and it should be discussed openly without fear in both our communities and religious institutions. I would love to see a minister preaching a message and teaching about sexuality in the church”.

Makokha argued that we need to understand the cultural world of the bible before using clobber passages to condemn the LGBTQ in our society and religious institutions.  "Let us understand the historical and cultural context of these inspired biblical books and our diverse interpretations.  We are not living in the times of the Jewish Code of Holiness, but during the time of the grace and love of Christ”.

Makokha also stated that Other Sheep Kenya will peacefully spread the message of inclusiveness and love of Christ for the LGBTQ community in their respective faith institutions in Kenya.  Discrimination and isolation is sin. “We cannot win the total war on HIV/AIDS in Africa if we cannot holistically address the issues of LGBTQ through advocacy and affirmative action.”

There are certain African cultural practices that are very close to gayism. Among the Akamba and Luo in Kenya, when a woman is barren and her husband dies without having children, the widow will marry another woman and traditionally pay dowry. This relationship is referred to as “husband and wife.”  The “wife” will be free to get children from any man, but the children born are for the “widow/husband”. 

A participant gave an example of a female teacher whose body was still in the mortuary due to some legal tussle over her traditional burial place. She was a lesbian and got married to a man to please her family, society and the church.  However, she left the marriage since she lacked happiness and love from a same sex partner. She then found a same sex partner who was a lesbian and business lady.  When this woman died later on, she was living with her female spouse beforehand and the traditional customary law--and Kenyan law--does not recognize her as a spouse, and therefore she cannot be allowed to bury her.

Mrs. Anne Baraza (Riruta United Methodist Women President and Other Sheep Advisory Counselor) said that discrimination on the basis of race, tribe, religion and sexual orientation is unethical and unacceptable: “We have to learn tolerance for diversity in our religious institutions and society.”

Baraza is clear in her stance that pastors should know that they have an ethical and moral obligation to address gay and lesbian issues in an affirming manner. It is the responsibility of any counselor to take necessary steps to eliminate any forms of stigma and isolation since some youth have committed suicide due to their sexual orientation.

She said that many people think homosexuals need to be cured. This is not possible, since various international researches done by reputable organizations have shown that sexual orientation cannot be changed even through therapy.

Her work experience with Parents, Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) shows that LGBTQ persons struggle to “come out” and mostly decide to live in the closet due to fear and stigma.  Even family members can be a nightmare to LGBTI persons, since they feel their family lineage can be stigmatized. Religious institutions have been on the forefront of propagating homophobia by using the weapon of clobber passages.

A female participant, a Counseling teacher in one of the schools in Kisumu, stated that the seminar was an eye-opener since teachers in Kenyan schools are ill-equipped to handle LGBTQ students. A male student came to her reporting a case of a colleague who was gay. She counseled the gay student and told him to pour cold water on his genitals whenever he felt an erection attracted to same-sex relationships.  She advised the gay student to make a difference by performing excellently in his academic work.  The gay student broke an academic record by scoring high grades. He joined one of the top national schools in Kenya. His career ambition is to be a neurosurgeon.

Peter Wanyama (Anglican, Other Sheep Kenya Treasurer) said that Other Sheep Kenya will continue contacting seminars on capacity building for the clergy and laity on issues of religion and LGBTI issues in Africa.  He requested that society, church and individuals stop oppression prejudice and hate crimes against LGBTI: “We need religious and social justice for all.”

Meeting of Other Sheep and GAA International in Nairobi

Rev. John Makokha

There was a meeting of Other Sheep leadership in Kenya and East Africa with Gay Activism Alliance International at a Nairobi hotel on February 21.  The meeting focused on the partnering, networking and resource mobilization to endeavor to help form alliances between LGBTI groups, individuals and minority groups for the common objective of equality and human rights.

It was noted that the campaigns against homophobia needs to address the youth through music.  Since you cannot separate youth and music it was proposed that the youth are sponsored to compose music on “kick out homophobia”. This is important since the youth are very influential, youthful, energetic and ready to change.

Den Hambridge, from GAA international (UK) said that GAAI through its discussion forums aims to bring LGBTI persons closer together and give a base to openly discuss issues regarding their sexuality, oppression  and discrimination.  He said that the mission of GAAI was to campaign for equality and human rights of LGBTI community worldwide. “GAAI is a peaceful but demonstrative group.”

He said that it was now the objective of GAA to have human rights activism across Africa and Kenya is key to this mission as a starting point. He appealed to LGBTI organizations, both LGBTI and allies to work in unity in order to succeed. “The war against homophobia and trans phobia is not going to be worn without LGBTI persons having allies on their side. You cannot succeed when you are divided”

Hambridge said that GAAI is also interested in other human rights issues concerning HIV/AIDS, environment, women, youth and children.

Ken Were, GAAI- Africa Coordinator said that faith based organization like Other Sheep is very vital in addressing both religious and cultural homophobia and homohatred. “If a pastor preaches on the pulpit without addressing human rights issues is unacceptable.”

He promised to network and partner with Other Sheep in their activism programs in Kenya and the rest of East Africa.

Rev. Michael Kimindu, Other Sheep Coordinator for East Africa, said that there are many gay and lesbian persons but living in the closet. They fear stigma, rejection and discrimination from their families, denominations and the society. These are brothers and sisters who need counseling, acceptance, love and compassion.

He said that African people are thinking about traditionally having children and inheritance. This is why they are opposing any issue related to LGBTI. The West has been fighting for the rights of LGBTI and researching for about 40 years.  “We are entering this debate late.”

 Rev. John Makokha, Other Coordinator for Kenya, said since Kenya’s population  is about 80% Christians, we need to urgently address religious homophobia through capacity building programs of both the clergy and laity.  They need to be trained on “What the Bible is saying – and not saying about homosexuality, and what science is saying - and not saying about homosexuality.” He blamed the professional psychological counselors in Africa of failing to inform the society the truth about sexual orientation.  

He blamed the early missionaries, evangelical schools curricula and some Biblical authors who are known to propagate homophobia and homohatred through their commentaries and teachings. We urgently and seriously need a training facility in Africa that can address the issue of the Bible and human sexuality so that we retrain our clergy.

Makokha encouraged the Church in Africa to remain open to the Holy Spirit.

Peter Wanyama said we need more friendly strategies for them to win the battle on human rights of LGBTI both in the church and society. He some LGBTI individuals and organizations are in the closet themselves due to fear of reprisals. “We need more financial resources for us to handle our programs effectively”.

A Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology Master of Divinity student said that the society does not want to hear about LGBTI. “We should not condemn people based on their sexual orientation.” He gave an example where church elders stopped a gifted worship leader and instrumentalist in a prominent Nairobi main line church on the basis that she was a lesbian. “They killed that gift for the work of the Lord. I am sure Jesus wept on this action.”

Denise Gitonga a Christian from Methodist University and University of Nairobi said that we need to change the worldview of our community from bottom to top on matters of sexual orientation since people are lacking information. “We need education even foe LGBTI since most of them are also ignorant on matters of human sexuality, HIV/AIDS, substance and drug abuse etc.”

Sospeter Makatini from GAA said that he was surprised that there were clergy from Other Sheep who could fight for the full inclusion and affirmation of LGBTI in their respective religious groups.  Most LGBTI were looking for an LGBTI non-discriminatory church in Kenya so that they can worship their God without any homophobic sermons and teachings.

GAAI mission in Africa is to see that all human beings will be accepted as the same globally, regardless of colour, race, religion, gender and sexuality, as their human right.

Pray for LGBTI work in 2009 in Africa

By Rev. John Makokha

Warm greetings from Kenya, Africa.

I am excited that I am back this year on the RMN blog as author for LGBTI in Africa. I thank God for helping me to reach this far in this ministry. This is fabulous.

I wish to appeal to everyone to pray for LGBTI, PFLAG and allies in Africa since the African religious society has not accepted inclusion, leave alone reconciling of LGBTI in both the faith institutions and the society. This scenario has led to most of these persons to live in the closet. They fear stigma, discrimination and isolation. Most of the people still believe that homosexuality is a Western import.

I have talked to both clergy and laity who are gay and lesbian who do not want anyone to know their sexual orientation. This has made us to increase both teaching and counseling on the Bible and homosexuality. However lack of resources has been a huge hindrance. We need prayers from everyone globally.