GREAT NEWS OF MARY GLASSPOOL FROM THE DIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES and feelings of shame with the disturbing response of Archbishop Rowan Williams.

PRIDE and SHAME at The Anglican Communion

Standing Together: Bishops-elect Diane Jardine Bruce (far back)and Mary Douglas Glasspool (back center) are joined by Bishop J. Jon Bruno (second from right), Bishop Suffragan Chester Talton (right) and Bishop Assistant Sergio Carranza (left) Consecrations scheduled for May!

¨...This week we saw yet another momentous day for GLBT Episcopalians—one that will surely continue to rock the boat—in the consent to the election of Mary Glasspool . Again, it happens legally under the cannons of the Episcopal Church that were strengthened by the legislation in Anaheim last year. Again, it has caused the head patriarch of the family to eye us with suspicion. And Again I am proud—but this time I have a huge amount of Shame¨

Archbishop Rowan Williams, ¨shameful response¨

¨The shame has nothing to do with the great news of LA, but with the disturbing response of Archbishop Rowan Williams. I do not presume to understand what it is like to be a titular head of a denomination so vastly spread across the world, socio-economic strata, and political and theological spectrums. What I do not hear is the same response at words of hatred against us his GLBT members, or the continued efforts of foreign provinces to usurp property in the Episcopal Church. Most deeply ashamed am I of his restrained responses towards the near holocaust-level hatred that is fueling the “Kill Gays Bill” in Uganda¨.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, a welcome sign of ¨Spirit moving in the Church¨

¨One of the signs of the Spirit moving in the Church is that this consent comes on the heels of statements of inclusion and support from a Patriarch so wise that non-believes will turn to listen to him, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He is like that wise old family member that knows that the love of the God and the true bonds of affection that bind a family together are stronger than sexuality or morality. He understands that it is crucial to our faith to accept GLBT Christians into the fold and to celebrate with Easter joy when one like Mary Glasspool is called to be a Bishop among us. He warns us of the demoralizing and demonic destruction that awaits those who shun the outcast, hate those who differ, and seek legislation to exterminate that which we do not want to understand.

I only wish Archbishop Williams would listen to Archbishop Tutu and realize that we too are God’s loved children, that we too are called by the Spirit to serve and lead the Church, and that we deserve to solemnize our love in the Church’s sacraments. Williams, it seems, does not see this, Uganda does not want to see this…and that should make us all ashamed and outraged.Tutu sees this—Los Angeles sees this—and those that consented to Mary Glasspool’s election see this, and that should make us all proud and filled with an Easter joy.¨ HERE


·Thanks to Chap James Day, Anglican HERO
·Thanks to Walking With Integrity, sidebar
·Thanks to Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Anglican HERO
·Thanks to Bishop Jon Bruno, diocese of Los Angeles, Anglican HERO
·Thanks to Bishop Suffragan Chester Talton, Anglican HERO
·Thanks to Bishop Assistant Sergio Carranza, Anglican HERO
·Thanks to The Suffragan Bishop-elect Bruce, Anglican HERO
·Thanks to The Suffragan Bishop-elect Glasspool, Anglican HERO

Attention Archbishop of Canterbury: Dr. Rowan Williams you are ¨insulting and patronizing¨ as you pander to murderous Central African bishops

Bishop Rowan, right vs. wrong and his deadly game of religious PRETEND

¨In response to the news that Mary Glasspool has received the necessary consents to become bishop suffragan for Los Angeles, there has been a brief and somewhat vague statement from Lambeth Palace¨:

¨It is regrettable that the appeals from Anglican Communion bodies for continuing gracious restraint have not been heeded. Following the Los Angeles election in December the archbishop made clear that the outcome of the consent process would have important implications for the communion. The Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion reiterated these concerns in its December resolution which called for the existing moratoria to be upheld. Further consultation will now take place about the implications and consequences of this decision.¨

¨The consequences? How about a church that will not justify bigotry in the name of God? How about a church that strives to be a place for all the baptized? How about a church that seeks to raise up leaders that are clearly called by God, without placing artificial stumbling blocks in their way?

Yes, there will be consequences. Thanks be to God.¨

Father Jake

Father Jake Stops the World: Lambeth Response, HERE

The Reverend Canon Mark Harris at PRELUDIUM

¨Whatever his next steps, the Archbishop needs to remember one thing... one little thing.

Asking for "continuing gracious restraint," is insulting and patronizing.

Got it?¨

PRELUDIUM: Gracious Restraint again! HERE

Rowan Williams worries more about Gay Bishops than Murder

¨We knew it would come sooner than later. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, would surely issue a statement about our church’s consent to Mary Glasspool to serve as a bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles.

Mind you, he took weeks and weeks and months to speak out against legislation that would execute gay/lesbian people in Africa. Much pressure was exerted on him, and he ignored all that pressure. He said he needed to study the situation and be sensitive to it. He needed months to speak out against legislation that would authorize the murder of gay Christians in Africa. He said he was being sensitive to their cultural realities...¨

My Manner of Life: Rowan Williams Worries More about Gay Bishops than Murder, HERE

The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize-winning Anglican religious leader.

There's Nothing Regrettable About LGBT Clergy

Archbishop Rowan Williams, the head of the worldwide Anglican Church, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning spiritual leader from South Africa, are both renowned global leaders when it comes to issues of faith. But when it comes to the subject of the dignity and value of LGBT clergy, both couldn't be further apart.

This week, the U.S. Episcopal Church elected Rev. Mary Glasspool to become an auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles. Rev. Glasspool is openly lesbian, and her election as a bishop will make some historical waves. She will become only the second openly LGBT bishop in the country (behind New Hampshire's Bishop Gene Robinson), and the first woman to be elected bishop in Los Angeles.

While much of the U.S. Episcopalian Church welcomed the announcement that Rev. Glasspool would soon be changing the prefix before her name to Bishop, Archbishop Williams greeted the news with cynicism and sadness. He called Rev. Glasspool's election as bishop "regrettable."
"It is regrettable that the appeals from Anglican Communion bodies for continuing gracious restraint have not been heeded," the Archbishop said via statement.

The "restraint" that Archbishop Williams references is his desire to see the U.S. Episcopalian Church hold off on electing openly LGBT bishops. It's a hot-button issue, he contends, that is dividing the Church in ways that may shatter the Church's global cohesion.

At least that's one way of looking at it. Another way of looking at it would be that Rev. Glasspool brings a range of talents and gifts as Bishop that have absolutely nothing to do with her sexual orientation. Should she be punished simply because of who she loves?

And that's where Archbishop Desmond Tutu comes in. Last week, in a question and answers jam session with TIME Magazine, Tutu said that LGBT clergy offer the Church a vast array of gifts. Tutu said it was his duty as a person of faith to support them.

"If I don't support them, why support the appointment of any other person? Their sexuality is as much a part of who they are as my race is. They don't choose it. I don't choose it," Tutu said.

What a teachable moment. While the leader of the worldwide Anglican Church greets the news of a lesbian bishop by issuing a statement of regret, Tutu takes sexual orientation off the table, and boils us all down to our common basic humanity. And when you view everyone through that lens, what does it matter whether they are gay, straight, black, white, male or female?

Meanwhile, the official bishop of Los Angeles, Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno, challenged Archbishop Williams' assertion that Rev. Mary Glasspool would be a huge regret for the Church. Instead, Bruno said that God works in mysterious ways. And sometimes those ways are by bringing openly gay people to the seats of power within our institutions.

"I'm overjoyed," Bruno said. "We're going to go ahead with a fabulous ordination and consecration ... and we're going to celebrate the fact that just action has occurred." He then added that it might just be the Holy Spirit's doing, placing Rev. Glasspool in a position of church leadership, with the blessing of most of her U.S. peers.

There's simply nothing regrettable about seeing LGBT clergy become more prominent in houses of faith across this country, and throughout the globe. The only thing regrettable is that in some corners of the world, religious folks would rather focus on who a person loves rather than who a person is.¨ HERE

·Thanks to Father Jake, sidebar
·Thanks to The Reverend Mark Harris
·Thanks to Preludium, sidebar
·Thanks to The Reverend Terry Martin
·Thanks to My Manner of Life,sidebar
·Thanks to Lisa Fox
·Thanks to Change.Org, sidebar
·Thanks to Archbishop Desmond Tutu
·Thanks to Time Magazine
·Thanks to Bishop Jon Bruno, Los Angeles
·Thanks to Michael A. Jones

TAKE ACTION: The ANGLICAN UN, United Nations, HUMAN RIGHTS Observer, Mrs Hellen Grace Wangusa from Uganda, has an office and staff provided by the Episcopal Church (USA) at the Church Center 815 Second Avenue, New York, 10017. The direct office line is (001) 212-716- 6263 and the email address unoffice@episcopalchurch.org


Lionel Deimel, HERO, click HERE,¨No Anglican Covenant¨

UGANDA BURNING/‘Nga kitalo!’: Kasubi Royal Tombs AFLAME--anti-Government sentiment rampant

Kasubi Tombs burning (Joseph Kiggundu / Daily Monitor)

UGANDA BURNING!

Kabaka Muwenda Mutebi II and Nnabagereka

¨...dangerous developments that are now unfolding in the traditional kingdom of Buganda. Uganda is divided into several such traditional kingdoms, with the kingdom of Buganda being nominally headed by a traditional king (known as a Kabaka) and his cabinet. Their positions have cultural significance, but under Uganda’s constitution they hold no political power. Nevertheless, the Kabaka, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, is widely revered and respected among the Baganda. Tensions between the Kabaka and Museveni have been building ever since the Ugandan government blocked the Kabaka from visiting the disputed Kayunga district just outside of Kampala last September
HERE
Map of Uganda, with the Buganda kingdom shown in green and Lake Victoria in Blue.

GASOLINE ON FIRE!

¨Yesternight, the Masiiro, (my apologies, Baganda, if I am getting that wrong!), the Kasubi Royal Tombs caught fire. New Vision puts the age of those revered grass thatched houses as close to 140 years. And, far as I could see, this is a part which had staid frozen in time.

Apparently, it is more than a tourist attraction.
It was, or is a shrine. And, from what I hear, some of the important cultural things were saved. And, that that was one of the reasons why the fire trucks were kept away.

Arson is suspected. Of course. Personally, I don’t think the venerable huts could have passed any fire inspection- BUT, what am I to offer such sacrilegious observations??? After all, they have survived 138 Years.

The government is suspected.

Early morning, into the palace grounds flow Baganda youths. All crying, something priceless has been lost. Soldiers, and more soldiers too.
Did I mention that the days greetings was ‘Nga kitalo!’ Traditionally, it is for a death in the family, on the village. But, who says what. A week of mourning has been declared by the Katikiro, the Kingdom’s premier. To them, to the Baganda, it was that serious.

Now, here comes the President. From a different tribal group. In conflict with the Baganda over various issues, a long running chronic ulcer that is seeping his support.

Someone advised him to visit the Kasubi Royal Tombs.

What?! HERE


THE ARMY OF UGANDA BRINGS INSECURITY

¨Most of the news on the fm stations is about what happened last night. The TVs. Even the government station cant miss the big story.
The burning of the Royal Tombs. The grief of the Baganda tribal group. The outpouring of anger and anti-government sentiment...HERE

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI GOES THERE

¨Who doesn’t know that he is the president? And, who doesn’t know that despite the fear of the man, the angry traditionalists would be hurling insults at the president? It was their day of moaning. The King’s Tombs had been burnt down. They suspected the government. And, the personification of the government came….

So, seven lives lost. To bullet wounds. Which only the security forces had. The guns.

And, you could have watched the difference. When the President visited, and when the Kabaka visited. The mass adulation, the joy, the mobbing of the vehicles.
The very people who had been chased away, some killed in live fire from police and army, were the ones who were welcoming their leader with joy.

No evidence of chaos. No evidence of rowdiness. Of course, the police and army were not there! They were only present for the protection of the president…¨ ...HERE

About the Kabaka

¨Kabaka is the head of the Ganda nation and Baganda look to him for cultural, political, and spiritual guidance. Indeed, most of Ganda cultural practices and norms can be traced to utterances or orders of the Kabaka. Only one person may be referred to as Kabaka at any one time - once a Kabaka is deceased, he is referred to a Ssekabaka.

As Ssabataka, Kabaka is the unprejudiced leader of all Baganda clans and their heads (abataka). The office of Kabaka is not hereditary but only a prince of Buganda (mulangira) can become Kabaka, the highest priority being given to the sons of the passing Kabaka. Kabaka, in his official role, does not belong to a clan, the way other Baganda do. However, the prince occupying the office of Kabaka is still a member of the Balangira (princes and princesses) clan and belongs to a mutuba in that clan. Furthermore, Ganda culture strongly ties Kabaka to his mother's clan and he generally relates to it as a son, giving them special privileges above other clans. Indeed, Kabaka does not marry from his mother's clan (okuzira) because many Baganda view him as a de facto member of that clan. This enables a natural rotation of the opportunity to produce the next Kabaka from one clan to another over time, probably the best explanation of the strong love Baganda have for Kabaka.¨ ...HERE

·Thanks to Gay Uganda, sidebar
·Thanks to Box Turtle Bulletin, sidebar
·Thanks to Jim Burroway
·Thanks to Joseph Kiggundu, Daily Monitor
·Thanks to The New York Times, sidebar
·Thanks to Ganda Ancestry

TAKE ACTION: The ANGLICAN UN, United Nations, HUMAN RIGHTS Observer, Mrs Hellen Grace Wangusa from Uganda, has an office and staff provided by the Episcopal Church (USA) at the Church Center 815 Second Avenue, New York, 10017. The direct office line is (001) 212-716- 6263 and the email address unoffice@episcopalchurch.org

From the U.S.A. to Uganda/Central Africa with Christian LOVE: ¨We need to fight the unnatural gay vice¨

Homophobia is Informed by Ignorance

¨That has been like a light bulb jumping on in my head.

I was working on the previous post, and my conclusion that the Catholic church in Uganda was caught between its ignorance of things homosexual, [even relative to the official Catholic doctrine], and the belief that informing their minds to the contrary would be ‘promoting homosexuality’.

But, that is surely true for a lot of what has been happening. Those who shout most about gays, [excluding Ssempa], are actually supremely ignorant of what they are talking about. Of course they have amazed the world with regards to their ignorance. But, more than that, they have entrenched their ignorance by the contention that any information to the contrary would be ‘promoting homosexuality’.

So, of course the Archbishop of York, and Canterbury, were derisively dismissed for ‘promoting homosexuality’. And, so was Rick Warren. No voice of reason fails to excite that remarkable charge.

To highlight the pits of ignorance, just check out this article from one of the MPs of Uganda. Obua Denis Hamson.
No, he is not the Benson Obua-Ogwal, the co-sponsor of the Anti-Homosexuality bill. The friend who calls me a gay pervert. Simply because I am gay.

The title is all informative. ¨We need to fight the unnatural gay vice¨
HERE


THE UNNATURAL GAY VICE ACCORDING TO IGNORANCE


MP of Uganda, Obua Denis Hamson
Mobile Telephone: 0772-834388
Landline: 0414377123
Date of birth: 06/02/1980
Email address: dobua@parliament.go.ug

¨In Uganda, and the world over, there have been many contentious deliberations on the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill currently under scrutiny in the Parliament of Uganda.¨

¨In Genesis 19:4-11 the Bible clearly outlaws any carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature. In these verses, men who had sex with other men were made blind by God. Also, Genesis 2:24 says that a man will leave his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and in that way, two people become one.

From the above biblical analysis, it is a fact beyond any reasonable doubt that naturally, a man goes with a woman, a bull goes with a cow, a cock goes with a hen, and that is the order of nature...¨

· ¨To fellow Africans, the choices, actions and agreements made now will determine which future becomes a reality for the younger generation. It is our role to speak on moral and unnatural issues affecting our continent.¨

· ¨I applaud the authorities in Malawi for arresting two men recently on charges of public indecency after becoming the first gay couple to marry in a country where homosexuality is illegal. I am reliably informed that the court in Malawi has further denied the two bail for their own protection.¨

· ¨It will also be recalled that Gambian President, Yahya Jammeh, said his country is made up of believers and that such sinful and immoral practices as homosexuality will not be tolerated.¨

· ¨President Jammeh vowed to “cut off the head” of any homosexual found in his country and said that a legislation will be introduced, which will be “stiffer than those in Iran”, concerning such acts.¨

Read it all, By Obua Denis Hamson, Member of the Parliament of Uganda - Youth Northern Region HERE

Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, the gay couple jailed since January in Malawi for daring to hold an engagement ceremony, will learn their fate on Monday.

The AP reports that religious leaders met this week to discuss homosexuality ahead of the verdict:

"Church leaders say they have met in this fiercely conservative southern African nation to 'understand the phenomenon' of same sex partners days ahead of a court verdict that could send two gay men to jail for up to 14 years. Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe, head of the Malawi Council of Churches, says the leaders gathered Wednesday in the southern town of Mangochi to discuss homosexuality as an issue 'most Malawians do not understand.'

"Amnesty International has adopted Monjeza and Chimbalanga as "prisoners of conscience" ahead of the verdict: "LGBT human rights group, OutRage!. The group's campaign coordinator, Tatchell, has written to the Director of Amnesty International UK, Kate Allen. The group coordinator Peter Tatchell letter to Ms Allen reads in part: 'We urge Amnesty International to adopt Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga as Prisoners of Conscience...Everyone is very appreciative of the statement that Amnesty has already issued, which deplores the men's arrest and calls for their release. We are now hoping that Amnesty will go one step further and recognise them as Prisoners of Conscience.' HERE

You can join in Amnesty's campaign to the Malawi government Malawian men on trial for 'unnatural offences' HERE

You can also send letters of support directly to the couple. HERE

·Thanks to Gay Uganda, sidebar
·Thanks to The Observer, Uganda
·Thanks to Towleroad, sidebar
·Thanks to Amnesty International
·Thanks to Peter Tatchell
·Thanks to Kate Allen
·Thanks to Associated Press
·Thanks to Box Turtle Bulletin, sidebard
·Thanks to Jim Burroway
·Thanks to The Daily Monitory, Uganda
·Thanks to Joseph Kiggundu

Become a HERO!

TAKE ACTION: The ANGLICAN UN, United Nations, HUMAN RIGHTS Observer, Mrs Hellen Grace Wangusa from Uganda, has an office and staff provided by the Episcopal Church (USA) at the Church Center 815 Second Avenue, New York, 10017. The direct office line is (001) 212-716- 6263 and the email address unoffice@episcopalchurch.org


Lionel Deimel, HERO, click HERE,¨No Anglican Covenant¨

ANOTHER GOD LOVING CHRISTIAN ALERT: Archbishop Desmond Tutu, ¨defends LGBT equality¨

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

¨Another reason to love Bishop Desmond Tutu. If Bishop Desmond Tutu comes to your town, you best go see him. Hard not to adore a man who writes this when slamming homophobia in Africa, specifically the madness in Uganda.: “Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people are part of so many families. They are part of the human family. They are part of God’s family. And of course they are part of the African family.” HERE

ANGLICAN HERO, The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu

·Thanks to James Withers
·Thanks to 365 Gay Blog, sidebar
·Thanks to Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Become a HERO!

TAKE ACTION: The ANGLICAN UN, United Nations, HUMAN RIGHTS Observer, Mrs Hellen Grace Wangusa from Uganda, has an office and staff provided by the Episcopal Church (USA) at the Church Center 815 Second Avenue, New York, 10017. The direct office line is (001) 212-716- 6263 and the email address unoffice@episcopalchurch.org


Lionel Deimel, HERO, click HERE,¨No Anglican Covenant¨

MAGGIE MONOMANI GALLAGHER: ¨Emotionally healthy people don’t have an obsessive preoccupation with the sex lives of others¨

SPIRITUALLY AND EMOTIONALLY SOUND? UPDATED ON SATURDAY!

STRIVING FOR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ¨THE EMOTIONS, LIVES AND LOVES OF FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS?¨

¨Just because she serves as president for the Institute for Marriage and Public Policy does not mean that she is qualified to theorize on or make healthy public policy decisions on the topic of marriage. One may become head of the military of the United States by simply becoming president of the country without ever completing a competent stay of service. As a nation, we all have experienced the fallout from the bad decisions and incompetence that have come out of those situations. Had she completed an education in marriage and family studies or clinical psychology, she may have enriched herself with a more complete understanding of the emotions, lives and loves of all fellow human beings.

The intensity and voracity of venom that she spews towards same-sex couples I have seen before in my private practice as a licensed marriage and family therapist with a doctorate in clinical psychology. It’s called projection. It happens when we disapprove so strongly of our own behavior, say: premarital sex, illegitimate children, or marrying outside the faith, that we point our fingers at others in judgement and distain to distract others away from our own behavior.

Projection is a very insidious thing. We don’t even know that we are doing it when we do it. By its very nature, it is designed to create a wall of denial for ourselves distancing us from acknowledging the very behaviors within ourselves that we so vehemently abhor in others. By attacking it in others, we can buy ourselves some relief from the internal conflict that has us in its grip. The relief is only temporary however. Unless we come to terms with it, we will continue to demonize others in a desperate bid to gain some relief.¨ HERE

UPDATED SATURDAY March 13, 2010

¨Open Letter to Maggie Gallagher¨

By Fred Karger, Huffington Post

¨...Hooray for the Washington, DC City Council and Mayor Fenty for allowing all its residents full equality under the law just like our founding fathers intended.

I cried with joy for all the young LGBTQ Americans who can clearly see that they are not inferior, but equal. I am thrilled that kids growing up now know that they can marry the person that they love in five enlightened states, and in our nation's capitol.

Hooray for our courageous leaders who stood up to bigotry and discrimination and did the right thing. They stood up to you and your army of paid henchmen who fight marriage equality tooth and nail every step of the way.

I don't have words to express my disgust toward you and all those you are fronting for at the National Organization for Marriage (NOM). You have spent at least $25 million in just the past few years to try and undo the happiness of so many people...¨ HERE

·Thanks to Dr. James E. Walton, Ph.D.
·Thanks to LA Therapist, sidebar
·Thanks to The Huffington Post, sidebar
·Thanks to Fred Karger
·Thanks to Californians Against Hate
·Thanks to citrussk8er01's
·Thanks to Flickr Photosharing

JOURNALING/BLOGGING MAY BE HEALING: ¨we have feelings that affect our inner wholeness and wellness¨

¨Journal writing may often bring up forgotten feelings, memories, and unresolved issues. Rather than be frightened, use these for reclaiming and working for your inner wellness. Sometimes deep feelings and emotions may rise to the surface and surprise us with their intensity.


When we are in distress, sickness, adversity, betrayal, abandonment, brokenness, guilt, or experiencing slander, false accusation, persecution,
and oppression, we have feelings that affect our inner wholeness and wellness. The silence, stillness, and rest a journal provides may be healing for some seekers.


Life is full of emotional and physical suffering. Many prayer books in different traditions are wet with tears as people struggle with mistakes, disappointments, heartaches, and feelings of revenge, injustice, and complaint.


Be honest with yourself in your journal about your feelings. Pour your emotions out on paper. Do not let them cause bitterness or unresolved pain. Journal writing can be enormously healing. Perhaps a counselor or therapist would be helpful
in resolving painful memories. Seek your wholeness with all your heart. God will honor your journey.


God, hear my cry today and honor my feelings.¨
Amen.

Grace and peace,
Chi Rho Press

·Thanks to Flickr Photosharing
·Thanks to Chi Rho Press
·Thanks to Craftiestminx
·Thanks to ABC Creativity

ANGLICAN HEROS AT CHURCH: Some of the Brave and the Strong Leading Men/Women of God

The Rt. Reverend Ssenyonjo, Anglican Church of Uganda, HERO

Bishop Ssenyonjo. ¨Elderly, grandfatherly man. Bishop Emeritus of the Church of Uganda. The lone African voice of dissent from the unified homophobic view of the African Anglicans at that Anglican Conference. I know, he was excommunicated? I am not sure of the details. But, the Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, in his righteous wrath speaks of him disdainfully as Ssenyonjo. Denying him a life time of work for the church, the studies that he did. And, he is a PhD.¨ HERE

Ugandan church leader brands anti-gay bill 'genocide'

Reverend Canon Gideon Byamugisha, Anglican Church of Uganda, HERO

Reverend Canon Gideon Byamugisha (born 1959) is an Anglican priest in Uganda with a parish outside of Kampala. In 1992, he became the first religious leader in Africa to publicly announce that he was HIV positive. In 2009, Byamugisha received the 26th annual Niwano Peace Prize "in recognition of his work to uphold the dignity and human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS".

Byamugisha organized the African Network of Religious Leaders Living with and Personally Affected HIV and Aids (ANERELA) in 2003, and in 2006 started a shelter for orphans of AIDS victims. He lives with his wife and three HIV negative children.
HERE

Prominent member of the Ugandan Anglican church, Canon Gideon Byamugisha, joins international condemnation of the anti-homosexuality bill, saying it will breed violence and intolerance

¨If Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill becomes law, it will be little short of state-sponsored "genocide" against the gay community, a prominent member of the Ugandan Anglican church said this week.

Canon Gideon Byamugisha said the bill, which recommends the death penalty for anyone repeatedly convicted of having gay sex and prison sentences for those who fail to report homosexual activity to the police, would breed violence and intolerance through all levels of society.

"I believe that this bill [if passed into law] will be state-legislated genocide against a specific community of Ugandans, however few they may be," he said. HERE

English evangelical bishop calls for tolerance

The Rt. Reverend James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, England, HERO

¨A leading voice in the evangelical wing of the Church of England, Bishop James Jones, speaking to his diocesan synod in Liverpool today says the battle of sexuality in the Church needs to end.

He argues that sexual orientation is a biological given, which represents a departure from the majority of evangelical voices. And he uses the lessons learned from the "Just War" controversy to point a way forward for the Anglican Communion.¨ HERE

++Desmond Tutu, The Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace, HERO

¨May I wholly inadequately apologize to my sisters and brothers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered for the cruelty and injustice that you have suffered and continue to suffer at the hands of us, your fellow Anglicans; I am sorry. Forgive us for all the pain we have caused you and which we continue to inflict on you."

The Rt. Reverend John Bryson Chane, Episcopal Church/Anglican Communion Bishop of Washington D.C., HERO

Episcopal priests in the Diocese of Washington may preside at civil same-sex marriages in the District of Columbia under guidelines released today by Bishop John Bryson Chane. No priest is required to preside at such ceremonies.


"Through the grace of Holy Baptism, there are no second class members of the Body of Christ, " Chane said. "We are of equal value in the eyes of God, and any one of us may be called by the Holy Spirit into holy relationships as well as Holy Orders." HERE


L.A. Episcopal diocese elects Glasspool as bishop suffragan

The Reverend Canon Mary Glasspool, Suffragan Bishop-elect at TEC Diocese of Los Angeles, HERO

¨...The second woman to be elected a bishop in the diocese's 114-year history, Glasspool is also the first openly partnered lesbian to be elected a bishop in the Episcopal Church, which includes some 2.4 million members in 109 dioceses in 16 nations. She is the 17th woman to be elected a bishop in the Episcopal Church; its House of Bishops includes some 300 active and retired members.¨
HERE

Standing Committees continue consents to suffragan elections; one vote will achieve majority for Glasspool


Standing Together: Bishops-elect Diane Jardine Bruce (second from right) and Mary Douglas Glasspool (second from left) are joined by Bishop J. Jon Bruno (center), Bishop Suffragan Chester Talton (left) and Bishop Assistant Sergio Carranza following Dec. 5 news conference in Riverside, where Diocesan Convention elected Bruce and Glasspool new bishops suffragan. For full reports on elections, click on names above. For ballot results, click here. Photo: Don Anderson. Media and other inquiries: Robert Williams, rwilliams@ladiocese.org. HEROS ALL! HERE




The Right Reverend V. Gene Robinson, IX Bishop of New Hampshire, HERO HERE

·Thanks to Gay Uganda, sidebar
·Thanks to Canon Gideon Byamugisha, Uganda
·Thanks to Anglican Bishop Ssenyonjo, Uganda
·Thanks to Lambeth Conference, Photo
·Thanks to Liza Ford and Emma Pomfret
·Thanks to The Guardian, United Kingdom
·Thanks to Wikipedia
·Thanks to The Rt. Reverend Ssenyonjo, Uganda
·Thanks to Episcopal Cafe, sidebar
·Thanks to Ruth Gledhill, The Times
·Thanks to The Rt. Reverend James Jones, England
·Thanks to The Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, South Africa
·Thanks to The Rt. Reverend John Bryson Chane, The Episcopal Church
·Thanks to The Episcopal Church diocese of Washington D.C.
·Thanks to The Episcopal Church diocese of Los Angeles
·Thanks to The Episcopal Church diocese of New Hampshire
·Thanks to The Episcopal Church diocese of Baltimore
·Thanks to The Rt. Reverend Jon Bruno, Bishop of Los Angeles
·Thanks to The Reverend Canon Mary Glasspool
·Thanks to The Rt. Reverend V. Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire
·Thanks to David Green, Pride/Episcopal Church Shield
·Thanks to Wapedia - Wiki, National Cathedral stained glass window
·Thanks to Robert Williams
·Thanks to Don Anderson

Become a HERO!

TAKE ACTION: The ANGLICAN UN, United Nations, HUMAN RIGHTS Observer, Mrs Hellen Grace Wangusa from Uganda, has an office and staff provided by the Episcopal Church (USA) at the Church Center 815 Second Avenue, New York, 10017. The direct office line is (001) 212-716- 6263 and the email address unoffice@episcopalchurch.org


Lionel Deimel, HERO, click HERE,¨No Anglican Covenant¨

It´s Not Over Until It´s Over: Surgery/fretting and anxious

UPDATE: March 5, 2010

MY SURGERY HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR THE WEEK AFTER HOLY WEEK! YES!

REPRIEVE: Thanks for the kind words of encouragement and support and I´ll tuck them away for another day and promise not to whine when the time comes.


When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (Job 23.9-10)

Tomorrow I go for a pre-op appointment and quickly, within a day or a few days, will follow up with an eye surgery. I have started fretting about the surgery in recent weeks. I have wonderful doctors (Harvard educated practicing right here in Central America) with fine facilities/equipment and I know I have the wonder and extra blessing of professional care where many folks have no medical care at all. This is to be the fifth operation on my left eye, the last one was six months ago when they removed my natural lense and added some silicon oil...we´ve been waiting for my scar tissue to strengthen and it appears my Retina and Cornea are in first rate shape...so, now, soon, the Doctors will remove the silicon oil and install a new lense for me. Fret, fret, fret.

Over the past months I´ve sometimes been quite disoriented with my full-blur in one eye and a uncorrected near sightedness in the other...I think of it as practicing for being really old as I lunge into door frames, miss my mouth, pour lavishly but miss containers, squint with one eye to do my artwork and type/blog my heart out using a Spanish keyboard and making lots of mistakes (it´s been a wonderful help even though I get quite passionate on various subjects of life and death for LGBT Anglicans/others in Uganda and beyond). I´ve found that I function quite well but get tired very quickly, take lots of naps, have gained weight as a result of, little physical exercise (Gymless=Plumpness), my tendency to stay closer to home/bed while nursing myself tenderly.

Today I read my friend Tims entry at ¨Straight Friendly¨ blog...Tim, you´ve hit the nail on the head for me and I feel refreshed in spirit after reading your words that have given me a opportunity to stand back and STOP the ¨frets and moans¨ and accept the things that I can not change. Powerlessness has always been the state/place where I see God (invisibly) best and I feel assured that it is now, again, an opportunity to walk with God more confidently. Thank you Tim, I badly need your words and the all-inclusive/loving-influence of people like you and OUR God in my everyday life. Lord, hear my prayer

¨...Absolutely nothing about worry prolongs or improves life. Indeed, it has the opposite effect. Anxious excitement is a thief that steals everything fine and good in us: our confidence, joy, imagination, courage, and companionability. Worst of all, it convinces us there’s honor in becoming excitement junkies. We start believing our constant frets and moans prove we’re deeply invested in our predicaments, when we’re actually milking them for excitement. On some level, we perceive our agitated state as a sign of importance. No matter what “we” do, “they” just won’t get it together. What would become of the excitement bingers among us if their problems all worked out. What would they do?...¨ HERE

This is Tim´s NEW Book, click HERE for details

·Thanks to Tim Wolfe
·Thanks to Straight-Friendly Blog, sidebar
·Thanks to ¨Gay Believers Life in Christ¨

TOP LEGISLATORS SAY TODAY: ¨Death to GAYS¨ in Uganda as ¨Being Gay¨ is ¨No Longer a Barrier¨ in California, U.S.A.

John Pérez, First Openly Gay California Speaker of the House, Sworn In TODAY! HERE

"He's someone who sends a signal to the nation that being gay is no longer a barrier to greatness"

"Democrat John A. Pérez, a first-term legislator representing parts of downtown L.A. and East Los Angeles, will face as one of his first tasks the challenge of preserving social programs for his political base as the state struggles with a roughly $20-billion budget deficit. The Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles sang prior to the oath. "He's someone who sends a signal to the nation that being gay is no longer a barrier to greatness," said an Assembly colleague, Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco)." HERE

Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, more commonly known as Edward Ssekandi, who was born on 19 January 1943, is a Ugandan lawyer and politician. He is the current Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament. HERE

¨This morning, five gay rights activists marched into the Speaker's office and presented him with the names of 450,000 people from around the world who don't want Ugandans to be executed because of their sexual orientation...

"Like most Africans, he runs short of knowledge on human sexuality."

¨He (Edward Ssekandi) said he thinks that men should be with women, period," said Rubaramira Ruranga, leader of another HIV/AIDS organization. "Like most Africans, he runs short of knowledge on human sexuality." At one point, Ruranga said, the Speaker even compared gays to drug addicts, as if both groups could kick their habits. HERE

·Thanks to The Los Angeles Times
·Thanks to Public National Xtra
·Thanks to Rubaramira Ruranga, Human Rights Advocate
·Thanks to Towleroad, sidebar
·Thanks to Wikipedia
·Thanks to Kaj Hasselriis
·Thanks to San Francisco Chronicle

TAKE ACTION: The ANGLICAN UN, United Nations, HUMAN RIGHTS Observer, Mrs Hellen Grace Wangusa from Uganda, has an office and staff provided by the Episcopal Church (USA) at the Church Center 815 Second Avenue, New York, 10017. The direct office line is (001) 212-716- 6263 and the email address unoffice@episcopalchurch.org