Anglican Church of Uganda warns of split over anti-gay law

The Anglican Church of Uganda said Monday it may consider breaking away from its mother church in England, the church leadership there puts Uganda under pressure over a tough new anti-homosexuality law.

“The issue here is respect for our views on homosexuality, same-sex marriage as a country and church. If they are not willing to listen to us, we shall consider being on our own,” said Uganda’s top Anglican, Archbishop Stanley Ntagali.

“Homosexual practice is incompatible with scripture, and no one in the leadership of the church can say legitimize same-sex unions or homosexuality,” he said, urging the “governing bodies of the Church of England to not take the path advocated by the West.”

“If they do we shall have no choice but to be on our own,” he said.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni last week signed into law a bill holding that “repeat homosexuals” should be jailed for life. It also outlaws the “promotion” of homosexuality and requires people to report on homosexuals.

The passing of the bill was a largely popular move in conservative Uganda, where Museveni — a devout Christian who has been in power for 28 years — will be up for re-election in 2016.

“Our doors are open for those facing sexual disorientation to be counseled, healed and prayed for,” Archbishop Ntagali said.

“The church is a safe place for those who are confused about their sexuality or struggling with sexual brokenness. We shall provide help to them,” he said.

World leaders have reacted with outrage to the law, with U.S. President Barack Obama saying on Feb. 16 that he was "deeply disappointed" by the move, and warning that the law could "complicate" Washington's relationship with Uganda.

At least three European countries have announced the withdrawal of millions of dollars in direct support to Uganda's government, and the World Bank announced it was delaying a loan to the country. Uganda depends on donors for about 20 percent of its budget.

Agence France-Presse