NEWS ITEMS IN DATE ORDER

The news items below are listed in date order (latest first). For news items more than two years old, please go to the news archive page.

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News items in date order

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Scottish MPs condemn arrest of gay Malawian men
(International secular news – 14/01/2010)

More than 20 members of the Scottish parliament condemned the arrest of two gay men in Malawi who held a wedding ceremony. The motion was signed by members of all main parties and called for parliament to condemn the "illegal and homophobic arrests" of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga. The couple are currently on trial and may face up to 14 years in prison if convicted.

MPs sign motion to condemn Uganda's gay execution bill
(International secular news – 14/01/2010)

Twenty MPs have signed an early day motion to attack Uganda's plans to introduce the death penalty for gays. The motion was tabled by Labour MP Harry Cohen and calls for the British government and European Union to press Uganda not to proceed with the proposed Anti-Gay Private Members Bill.

Malawi witnesses first gay wedding
(International secular news – 28/12/2009)

Two gay men in Malawi held the first ever public wedding on Saturday 26 December . The two - Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza - made history when they publicly announced that there were a couple at a reception held at Makhoma lodge in the outskirts of the city of Blantyre.

The Archbishop of Wales' statement about the Uganda Bill
(Anglican Communion news – 21/12/2009)

The Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan, a patron of Changing Attitude, has issued a statement about the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

LGBT Anglican Coalition Press Release - Los Angeles and Uganda
(Anglican LGBT news – 11/12/2009)

The LGBT Anglican Coalition is disappointed to see the Archbishop of Canterbury rush out a statement within twelve hours of the election of a partnered lesbian as a bishop in Ls Angeles which contrasts embarrassingly with his complete unwillingness to speak publicly about the Church of Uganda bishops’ support for what is universally seen as oppressive and homophobic legislation in that country in direct contravention of recent resolutions by the Lambeth Conference and the Primates’ Meetings.

Open letter to the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and the Bishop of Los Angeles
(Anglican Communion news – 09/12/2009)

Inclusive Church congratulates Bishop Katharine and Bishop Jon and the people of the Episcopal Church on the electoral process which has led to the election of the Revd Canon Diane Jardine Bruce and the Revd Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool as Suffragan Bishops of the Diocese of Los Angeles.

English and Welsh Roman Catholic bishops say Equality Bill redefines who can be a priest
(UK church news – 09/12/2009)

The Catholic bishops of England and Wales said they could be at risk of prosecution under a proposed law unless they accept women, sexually active gays and transsexuals as candidates to the priesthood.

Evangelical Alliance in Ireland Supports Civil Unions Bill
(UK church news – 08/12/2009)

Evangelical Alliance Ireland has issued a statement saying, "The government is seeking to legislate for greater justice and fairness for co-habiting couples, both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.

Chicago Consultation Asks Archbishop to Reconsider Statement and Silence
(Anglican Communion news – 07/12/2009)

The Chicago Consultation issued a statement from its co-convener, the Rev. Lowell Grisham about Archbishop Rowan William's comments on the election of Canon Mary Glasspool.

India - Theological Roundtable on Churches’ response to Human Sexuality
(International church news – 06/12/2009)

Participants of the Theological Roundtable on Churches' Response to Human Sexuality affirm that sexuality is a divine gift, and hence God intends us to celebrate this divine gift in committed, consensual, and monogamous relationships. It is in such celebrations of our sexuality that we grow into the fullness of our humanity, and experience God in a special way.

L.A. Episcopal diocese elects Rev Canon Mary Glasspool as bishop suffragan
(Anglican Communion news – 05/12/2009)

The six-county Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has elected the Rev. Canon Mary Glasspool, canon to the bishops of the Baltimore-based Diocese of Maryland, to the office of bishop suffragan, in which she is called to assist Bishop Diocesan J. Jon Bruno in ministry to the region's 70,000 parishioners.

Integrity urges the Episcopal Church to take a stand against Anti-homosexuality Bill proposed in Uganda
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 01/12/2009)

Integrity USA joins the groundswell of international outrage against the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 currently before the Parliament of Uganda.

House of Deputies president condemns proposed Uganda anti-homosexuality legislation
(Anglican Communion news – 30/11/2009)

The pending Ugandan legislation that would imprison for life or execute people who violate that country's anti-homosexuality laws would be a "terrible violation of the human rights of an already persecuted minority," Episcopal Church House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson has said.

The United Reformed Church expresses concern at proposed Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 25/11/2009)

The United Reformed Church (URC) in the UK stands for justice and equality and is therefore appalled at the draconian measures proposed by the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

Open letter to the Archbishops of Uppsala and Canterbury
(Anglican Communion news – 24/11/2009)

Leaders of the LGBT Anglican Coalition write to the Archbishops of Uppsalla and Canterbury to express dismay that there was no official representation from the Church of England or any other Anglican Church from the British Isles at the service of consecration of Bishop Eva Brunne of Stockholm and Bishop Tuulikki Koivunen Bylund of Härnösand.

Church leaders in Liverpool release ‘groundbreaking’ condemnation of homophobia
(UK church news – 23/11/2009)

Leaders of the six main Christian churches in Liverpool have released a joint statement condemning homophobia in the city. The statement came from the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, United Reformed, Baptist and Society of Friends (Quakers) churches.

Harsh laws not answer to our sexuality
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 23/11/2009)

Rev Gideon B Byamugisha, who is HIV+, writes about varieties of human sexuality in Uganda in the context of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill

A Human Rights Impact Assessment of the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 23/11/2009)

Sylvia Tamale delivers a Human Rights Impact Assessment of the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill at the Public Dialogue on 18 November held at Makerere University

Brussels says churches must lift ban on employing homosexuals
(UK secular news – 23/11/2009)

The European Commission sent a reasoned opinion to the United Kingdom on Friday for incorrectly implementing EU rules prohibiting discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in employment and occupation. The Commission pointed out that exceptions to the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for religious employers are broader than that permitted by the directive.

Statement of the International Interdenominational Conference of LGBT Christians
(International LGBT Christian news – 22/11/2009)

Christians – Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants – participants of the International Interdenominational Conference of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people meeting in Moscow, listening to God’s Word and sharing in the communion of the Holy Spirit, have adopted a statement addressed to the churches, the LGBT community and LGBT Christians

The International Interdenominational Conference of LGBT Christians, Moscow
(International LGBT Christian news – 22/11/2009)

The International Interdenominational Conference of LGBT Christians took place in Moscow on 21-22 November. 26 people from Russia, Moldova, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Estonia, Belarus, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Romania and Norway took part in the conference.

Chicago Consultation calls on Anglican leaders to oppose Ugandan anti-gay lesgislation
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 21/11/2009)

The Chicago Consultation today asked the Most Rev. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury; the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church; President of the House of Deputies Dr. Bonnie Anderson; and the Most Rev. Henry Luke Orombi, Primate of the Anglican Church of Uganda, to speak out against draconian anti-gay legislation introduced in the Ugandan Parliament last month.

Groundbreaking PRA Investigation Exposes Influence of U.S. Religious Conservatives in Promoting Homophobia in Africa
(Anglican LGBT news – 19/11/2009)

Sexual minorities in Africa have become collateral damage to our domestic conflicts and culture wars as U.S. conservative evangelicals and those opposing gay pastors and bishops within mainline Protestant denominations woo Africans in their American fight, a groundbreaking investigation by Political Research Associates (PRA) discovered.

Anglican Church of Canada resolution on Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 15/11/2009)

In Toronto the Council of General Synod (the Executive Council of the Anglican Church of Canada) unanimously passed the following resolution expressing its dismay and concern over the draft proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill currently before the Parliament of Uganda. .

Integrity Condemns Anti-Gay Legislation Proposed To Ugandan Parliament
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 15/11/2009)

The Board of Directors of Integrity USA expresses grave concern over the anti-gay bill currently under debate in the Ugandan Parliament.

A Response to The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 and An invitation to the Association of Evangelicals in Africa to discuss Sexual Orientation
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 09/11/2009)

The Revd Michael Kimindu, Changing Attitude's contact in Kenya, writes about LGBT Africans in response to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill proposed in Uganda

1st African Dialogue on Sexuality and Christian Faith
(Anglican LGBT news – 07/11/2009)

Hosted by Inclusive and Affirming Ministries (IAM) in partnership with The Rainbow Project (TRP) of Namibia from 2-5 November 2009, Stellenbosch, 77 participants from 13 African countries met for the first time ever to dialogue about the issue of sexual orientation from a Christian faith perspective.

Why Ugandan anti-gay Bill should worry us
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 03/11/2009)

Given the various views that have accompanied the release of the ‘Bahati Bill’ on homosexuality, it is necessary to soberly assess what the Bill is really about. Why bring a new law when homosexuality is already criminalised under existing ones? How will the Bill affect me personally?

Proposed Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill - Text of the proposed open letter sent to Reform, Anglican Mainstream, the Church Society and Fulcrum
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 01/11/2009)

The text of the proposed open letter sent by Changing Attitude and Inclusive Church to Anglican Mainstream, Fulcrum, the Church Society and Reform about the Anti-homosexual Legislation in Uganda and the Church of Uganda.

Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill: Statement from the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 23/10/2009)

The Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law in Uganda haev issued a statement identifying the widespread impact the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill would have on Ugandan society.

Lutheran Church of Sweden votes to allow gay couples to marry in church
(International church news – 22/10/2009)

The Synod of the Lutheran Church of Sweden voted this morning to allow gay couples to marry in church. The decision by the Synod puts the Church of Sweden means it is the first major denomination to allow gays to marry in church.

Italian Parliament rejects anti homophobia bill
(International secular news – 20/10/2009)

Arcigay, the Italian Gay & Lesbian Association, have posted a report about the bill, scrapped yesterday by the Italian Parliament, aimed at protecting gay people from hate crimes. It was rejected on the grounds that it would violate the country’s national constitution.

American ex-gay funding and influence linked to Uganda bill
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 20/10/2009)

Truth Wins Out, an American organization that defends the GLBT community against anti-gay misinformation campaigns and counters the so-called “ex-gay” movement have published a report linking a three day seminar held last March in Uganda with the Anti—Homosexuality Bill 2009 just introduced there.

Appeal for help for the gay Anglican attacked in Kenya
(Changing Attitude Kenya – 19/10/2009)

Changing Attitude appeals for help to secure the safety of P, a gay Anglican who was attacked in Nairobi two weeks ago, and his partner F. Both are living temporarily in safe house and need to move urgently.

Henry Mayor describes his encounters in Kenya with Michael Kimindu and Anna Booth
(Changing Attitude Kenya – 16/10/2009)

Henry Mayor describes encounters in Kenya where he was accompanied by Revd Michael Kimindu, Changing Attitude's contact in Kenya, and Anna Booth, a transgender English woman.

Sexual Minorities Uganda Condemn the tabled anti-homosexuality bill
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 15/10/2009)

A network of human rights activists, working in the areas of sexual rights as well as other human rights issues, in Uganda urges opposition to the repressive bill which was tabled in Parliament of Uganda on 14th October 2009.

Homosexuals face extension of penal code in Uganda
(Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009 – 14/10/2009)

The Anti-Homosexuality Bil 2009 tabled in the Ugandan Parliament will subject anyone who commits 'aggravated homosexuality' to death and anyone committing the offence of homosexuality will be sentenced to life imprisonment.

SE Florida bishop authorises same-sex blessings
(Anglican LGBT news – 16/09/2009)

The Rt. Rev. Leo Frade, Bishop of Southeast Florida, has authorized his clergy to provide pastoral blessings—but not to preside over same-sex weddings—within about a month.

Trans LGBT Community Festival in Cuba
(International secular news – 16/09/2009)

Trans in Cuba is an LGBT community festival that will take place in Havana from November 27-29, 2009. The festival marks a new step towards full acceptance and equal rights for homosexuals and transsexuals in Cuba.

Canadian and African theologians correspond about sexuality
(Anglican Communion news – 16/09/2009)

Theologians from six African dioceses are exchanging essays about sexuality with theologians from four Canadian dioceses in a kind of high-level pen pal relationship.

Changing attitudes in Kenya – The Bondo Project
(Changing Attitude Kenya – 11/09/2009)

The Revd Henry Mayor, a retired priest and supporter of Changing Attitude England living in Manchester is at present visiting Kenya to participate in a number of events. Henry has raised funds in the UK for the Bondo Project, a six-day Retreat/Workshop for the clergy of the Diocese of Bondo from August 31st to September 5th 2009 on the theme of same-gender sexual relations and the Bible.

Resolution of the Diocese of Cape Town on Ministry to Gays and Lesbians in Covenanted Partnerships
(Anglican LGBT news – 24/08/2009)

The Anglican Diocese of Cape Town agreed on August 22 to a resolution asking the church’s bishops to provide pastoral guidelines for gay and lesbian members of the church living in “covenanted partnerships,” taking into account the mind of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Rev Victor Bracuto wins ex-gay discrimination ruling in Argentina
(International church news – 21/08/2009)

The Argentine Justice Ministry's National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism has ruled that a recent "gay cure" conference in Córdoba implied that gays are sick and therefore engaged in illegal discrimination.

Cape Town diocesan synod to discuss pro-gay motion
(Anglican Communion news – 21/08/2009)

The diocese of Cape Town, Anglican Church of Southern Africa, is scheduled to consider a motion put forward by representatives of Cape Town's St George's Cathedral on Saturday.

Integrity USA responds to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Reflections
(Anglican Communion news – 18/08/2009)

Integrity regrets the Archbishop's categorization of TEC's commitment to full inclusion of the LGBT baptized as a "rights" issue rather than a "theological" issue -- believing that it falls sadly short of recognizing all the theological reflection that has both moved and motivated this church over the years.

Changing Attitude England's response to Communion, Covenant and our Anglican Future
(Changing Attitude news – 18/08/2009)

Changing Attitude England responds to the Archbishop of Canterbury's Reflections

Chicago Consultation responds to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Reflections on General Convention
(Anglican Communion news – 18/08/2009)

The Chicago Consultation released this statement from its co-convener, Ruth Meyers, in response to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s reflections on the Episcopal Church’s General Convention. Meyers is the Hodges Haynes Professor of Liturgics at Church Divinity School of the Pacific:

Integrity Canada responds to the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Reflections
(Anglican Communion news – 18/08/2009)

This statement from the Lambeth Palace does not address only the Episcopal Church of the USA. It confounds many in the Communion, including the Churches of the British Isles. And it repudiates the Anglican Church of Canada, not only for where it might be heading, but also from whence it has come.

On the Archbishop’s Reflections: A joint statement from groups working together in the Church of England
(UK Anglican news – 04/08/2009)

Thirteen organisatiions, having read and reflected upon the Archbishop’s response to the Episcopal Church of the USA "Communion, Covenant and our Anglican Future" have raised a number of questions about the consequences of his response.

Bishop Michael Bird of Niagara authorises same-sex blessings
(Anglican Communion news – 20/07/2009)

The Bishop of Niagara, a diocese in south central Ontari, has authorized his clergy to begin offering blessings of same-sex couples from September 1.

Lesbian and Gay debate threatened to split Zimbabwe Christian Alliance
(International church news – 18/06/2009)

A 45 minute debate about the place of gay and lesbian people in the new constitution held during the recent Constitutional Indaba in Bulawayo by the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance threatened to the divide the pastors present. Harsh words were exchanged in defence of and against the accommodation of lesbian and gay people.

Address by the Revd Colin Coward, Director of Changing Attitude, given in Westminster Abbey to Westminster School
(Changing Attitude news – 12/06/2009)

The Revd Colin Coward, Director of Changing Attitude, addressed the issue of prejudice in church, school and society towards lesbian and gay people in an address given in Westminster Abbey to the students of Westminster School

Petition to amend the Civil Partnership Act
(Changing Attitude news – 09/06/2009)

Changing Attitude England is supporting the petition on the 10 Downing Street web site which seeks to Amend the Civil Partnership Act 2004 to allow faith groups to perform civil partnerships within their religious buildings.

Courage Scotland Open Letter to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
(UK church news – 21/05/2009)

Courage Scotland Open Letter to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland as it meets to discuss homosexuality.

IDAHO Day services held in cathedrals at Cork and Dublin
(Changing Attitude Ireland – 19/05/2009)

The Bishop of Cork took part in an Idaho Day service in St Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork and Senator Stephen Norris in a service held in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

Changing Atttitude Nigeria Lagos celebrates IDAHO
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 18/05/2009)

Changing Attitude Nigeria-Lagos joins IDAHO and other LGBTQI organizations around the world to celebrate the international day against Homophobia and Transphobia.

Changing Attitude Ireland invitation withdrawn following Orange Order objection
(Changing Attitude Ireland – 15/05/2009)

The invitation to Changing Attitude Ireland to lead a prayer during the intercessions at the Church of Ireland Synod Eucharist on Sunday has been withdrawn after objections by the Orange Order.

Archbishop of Canterbury preaches at opening service of ACC14 in Kingston, Jamaica
(Anglican Communion news – 06/05/2009)

The Archbishop of Canterbury preached at a service to mark the Anglican Consultative Council meeting in the National Arena in Independence Park, Kingston. Some 8,000 people filled the indoor arena which had been transformed into a liturgical space overnight.

Reports on the treatment of homosexuals in Burundi, Uganda and Senegal
(International secular news – 06/05/2009)

Reports from Burundi, Uganda and Senegal show how lesbian and gay people continue to be oppressed and victimised across Africa.

Jeremy Marks, founder of Courage, comments on Faith and the City Conference
(UK Anglican news – 24/04/2009)

Commenting on the Faith and the City conference organised by Anglican Mainstream, Jeremy Marks, founder of Courage, says he doesn’t know any conservative evangelical leaders who seriously believe that gay people can be changed and become straight.

Royal College of Psychiatrists criticise 'gay treatment' offered at Anglican Mainstream Conference
(UK Anglican news – 24/04/2009)

The Royal College of Psychiatrists have commented on the medical treatment proposed for homosexuality at the Anglican Mainstream conference Faith and the City being held in central London. Psychiatrists say there is no supporting evidence and such treatment could be damaging.

Church of Nigeria bussed people in to the Same Gender Marriage Bill hearing
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 13/03/2009)

The second Changing Attitude Nigeria leader who was present at the hearing on Wednesday has now posted his report. The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) organised people to attend the hearing, bussing them in from as far away as Jos and had T-shirts printed.

Homosexual storm National Assembly in Nigeria to protest bill
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 12/03/2009)

Homosexuals yesterday stormed the National Assembly to protest over a bill which seeks to prohibit same sex marriages in Nigeria. The group, comprising young males and females, said they were opposed to the bill because the United Nations charter on Human Rights guaranteed them freedom of association and freedom to sexual orientation, all of which the proposed law will deny them.

Homosexuals Besiege NASS, Seek Stoppage Of Same-sex Marriage Bill
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 12/03/2009)

Hundreds of homosexuals and lesbians stormed the National Assembly (NASS) on Wednesday to request an end to a legislation they claim discriminates against their sexuality. They made their presentation at the public hearing organised in Abuja by the Human Rights, Women Affairs and Justice Joint Committee of the House of Representatives, where they decried moves to pass a Bill that prohibits and criminalises same-sex marriage.

Report on the Hearing on the Same Gender Marriage (Prohibtion) Bill 2008 in Abuja, Nigeria
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 12/03/2009)

A report of the Hearing on the Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Act in Abuja at which Changing Attitude Nigeria was one of the groups speaking against the bill

Group leaders from Changing Attitude Nigeria present statement on Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2008 at public hearing in Abuja
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 11/03/2009)

On Wednesday, March 11 three leaders from the Changing Attitude Nigeria groups in Lagos, Jos and Abuja will be present to present testimony against the Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2008 at a public hearing in Abuja.

Changing Attitude Nigeria condemns Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2008
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 09/03/2009)

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria has warned that the Bill “for an Act to prohibit marriage between persons of same gender, solemnisation of same and other matters related therewith” passed unanimously on Thursday 15 January by the Nigerian House of Representatives does more than attempt to prohibit same sex marriage.

Uganda: The U.S. Religious Right Exports Homophobia to Africa
(International church news – 05/03/2009)

The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) condemned a seminar designed to attack lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Ugandans under the cloak of religion.

Diocese of Ottawa to perform same-sex blessings
(Anglican Communion news – 04/03/2009)

The Diocese of Ottawa has said it will perform same-sex blessings, becoming the first Canadian Anglican diocese to make such a move since the moratoria were agreed.

Denial of a Gay Community in Nigeria Is “Economical With the Truth”, Say Young Humanistas
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 02/03/2009)

In a statement issued on 16 February the Young Humanistas Network in Nigeria based in Ibadan described the remarks of Ojo Madueke, Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, denying the existence of a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in the country as being “economical with the truth”.

Bishop of Abakaliki says it’s unbiblical to ordain gay bishops
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 02/03/2009)

The Anglican Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, the Rt. Rev. Benson Onyeibor, said in an interview as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Diocese in mid-February that Anglicans in the African continent would not endorse the proposed ordination of any homosexual as priests or bishops in the Anglican Communion

Evangelicals call for change of attitude on gays
(UK church news – 23/02/2009)

Several groups of evangelical Christians who believe that the churches need a positive change of heart and mind on the issue of homosexuality have called on church organisations condemning an American anti-gay hate group to face up to their own discriminatory policies and behaviour.

Davis Mac-Iyalla itinerary of meetings in Belgium with EU and LGGBT grpups
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 16/02/2009)

Davis Mac-Iyalla, Director of Changing Attitude Nigeria is travelling to Belgium from the 16 to 23 February 2009. This visit offers further opportunities for Davis to tell people about the situation of LGBT people in Nigeria and what Changing Attitude Nigeria is doing.

Nigerian Government claims no record of LGBT groups in Nigeria
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 16/02/2009)

The Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs made a statement to the UN periodic review of human rights in Geneva on 9th February. The Minister, Ojo Madueke, said: “As we have indicated in our National Report, we have no record of any group of Nigerians, who have come together under the umbrella of “Lesbian, Gay and Transgender” group, let alone to start talking of their rights.”

Primates of five provinces to reflect on sexuality conflict in Alexandria
(Anglican Communion news – 28/01/2009)

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams has asked the primates of Canada, US Episcopal Church, Uganda, Pakistan, and South Africa, to offer reflections on the impact that the current Anglican conflict over sexuality has had on the mission and priorities of their churches during the primates’ meeting in Egypt.

No excuse for homophobia says CofE Chief Education Officer
(UK Anglican news – 27/01/2009)

The Revd Janina Ainsworth, the CofE's Chief Education Officer wrote to the Guradian encouraging schools to forbid discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Episcopal Diocese of Virginia resolution on Integrity of committed Christian relationships
(Anglican Communion news – 27/01/2009)

The Diocese of Virginia held its annual Council meeting on Saturday 24 January. During the meeting a resolution affirming “the inherent integrity and blessedness of committed Christian relationships“ regardless of gender was passed

Nigeria: 'Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill' violates Constitution
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 26/01/2009)

Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Nigerian Bar Association Human Rights Institute (NBAHRI) and Nigerian human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are deeply concerned by the 'Same Gender Marriage (Prohibition) Bill 2008', currently before the Nigerian National Assembly.

Nigerian House of Representatives votes to enact law against same sex unions
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 17/01/2009)

The Nigerian House of Representatives voted unanimously on Thursday 15 January for an outright ban on same sex marriages anywhere in the country. The Bill “for an Act to prohibit marriage between persons of same gender, solemnisation of same and other matters related therewith” was passed without any opposition.

Police arrest more Nigerian gay men
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 17/01/2009)

Heart rending stories of the abuse of lesbian and gay people in Nigeria continue to be reported by members of the Changing Attitude Nigeria groups. More have been arrested and lost home and jobs.

Global South Primates question divorced ACNA priests
(Anglican Communion news – 13/01/2009)

David Virtue, conservative commentator on the Anglican Communion, claims that Global South leaders are asking questions about the presence of divorced priests in the new Anglican Church in North America.

Changing Attitude confidently predicts the Anglican Communion will be changed by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people
(Changing Attitude news – 31/12/2008)

The slow change in church attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people is set to continue and to spread beyond western liberal regimes into Africa and other continents where social taboos and conservative Christian and Moslem attitudes are entrenched. In the short term, life will be painful and in some cases tragic for many LGBT Africans. But change is coming and Anglican conservatives will be unable to stop it.

Archbishop of Canterbury’s open door welcomed
(Changing Attitude news – 08/12/2008)

Changing Attitude England applauds the willingness of Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury to meet, at their request, five Primates who are members of the GAFCON Primates’ Council, only one of whom had attended the Lambeth Conference in July.

Second Changing Attitude Nigeria leader granted asylum in UK
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 08/12/2008)

Stephen Wariebi Hobobo, co-leader of the Changing Attitude Nigeria (CAN) group in Port Harcourt, has been granted asylum in the UK. Stephen applied for asylum in May 2008 having arrived in the UK in April following the violent assault on his life which occurred in Port Harcourt on Maundy Thursday 20 March 2008.

Diocese Of Los Angeles Rejects B033 And Announces Liturgy For Same Sex Blessings
(Anglican LGBT news – 06/12/2008)

In its 113th Annual Diocesan Convention today, the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles joined seven other dioceses in passing a resolution asking the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church to reject the de facto moratorium on the election of gay or lesbian bishops by retracting the General Convention Resolution BO33.

Memorial service in Liverpool Cathedral for murdered gay teenager
(Changing Attitude news – 06/12/2008)

Liverpool's Anglican cathedral held a memorial service on Saturday 30 November for Michael Causer, an 18 year old gay man who was attacked and seriously injured on 25th July in what police described as vicious and unprovoked homophobic attack.

Archbishop of Wales, CA patron, affirms acceptance of lesbian and gay people
(Changing Attitude news – 02/12/2008)

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, a patron of Changing Attitude, is the focus of a BBC documentary to be broadcast on BBC One Wales on Wednesday 3 December at 10.45pm. In the programme he describes the circumstances in which he would consecrate a bishop in a gay relationship.

Changing Attitude leader in Jos at heart of violence
(Changing Attitude Nigeria news – 02/12/2008)

The Changing Attitude leader in Jos, Northern Nigeria, reports on the community war that has broken out following the local election on Thursday in Plateau State. He said there had been shooting all night and he was trapped in his house as there was no means to escape from Jos.

'Christian' policeman loses disciplinary hearing over attitudes to homosexuality
(UK secular news – 28/11/2008)

A policeman who objected to what he claimed was the aggressive promotion of homosexual rights within the Norfolk Constabulary lost a disciplinary hearing brought against him by his police force.

Revd Michael Kimundu, CA contact in Kenya, addresses Manchester meeting
(Changing Attitude Kenya – 12/11/2008)

The Revd Michael Kimindu, newly appointed as Changing Attitude’s contact person in Kenya, spoke at a meeting of the Manchester Changing Attitude group in Manchester Cathedral library on Monday 10 November.

Straight Nigerian man reveals diversity of attitudes to lesbian and gay people
(International secular news – 05/11/2008)

Ayo, a heterosexual Nigerian in his 30s posted a comment about gays and lesbians in Nigeria on Facebook on 26 October 2008. His post produced a torrent of comments, many anti-gay but the majority thoughtful, questioning church teaching and the prejudice which fuels anti-gay rhetoric.

Diocese of Montreal to draft liturgy for gay blessings
(Anglican LGBT news – 04/11/2008)

The Bishop of Montreal, the Rt Revd Barry Clarke, has indicated in an interview that he will follow through with the wishes of the diocese of Montreal and set up a commission to start drafting a liturgy for blessing lesbian and gay marriages.

Revd Michael Kimindu ejected from Nairobi clergy chapter meeting
(Anglican LGBT news – 10/10/2008)

The Revd Michael Kimindu, an Anglican priest who was a member of the LGBT team at the Lambeth Conference this year, was ejected from a meeting of the clergy chapter meeting in the diocese of All Saints Cathedral. The chapter meeting was held in the offices of the diocese at Karen on Wednesday 8th October 2008.

Stock Exchange chaplain says homosexuals should carry warning tattoos
(UK Anglican news – 07/10/2008)

The Rev Peter Mullen. 66, chaplain to the London Stock Exchange and rector of St Michael's Cornhill and St Sepulchre without Newgate in the City wrote on his blog that homosexuality was "clearly unnatural, a perversion and corruption of natural instincts and affections" and "a cause of fatal disease".

GAFCON bishops meet in Mukono, Uganda
(Anglican Communion news – 30/09/2008)

Ganzi Muhanguzi reported on gayuganda.com that a total of 39 anti-gay bishops met in Uganda to defend the Global Anglican Future Conference Movement (GAFCON), a clergy movement against homosexuality in the Church.

The Revd Jim Cotter blesses lesbian civil partnership in North Wales
(Anglican LGBT news – 29/09/2008)

The Revd Jim Cotter blessed a civil partnership between two women at St Hywyn’s, Aberdaron, in North Wales on 12 July. A complaint was later made about the service and the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan wrote to Mr Cotter telling him he had exceeded his authority, since the church has no liturgy for same-sex unions.

Hereford withdraws appeal against John Reaney award
(UK Anglican news – 29/09/2008)

The Hereford Diocesan Board of Finance has withdrawn the notice of appeal it filed in March in the employment discrimination case involving John Reaney.

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This page was last updated on Monday, 18 August 2008