Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, the Chairman of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) asserts that “The archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, lacks the moral justification to challenge GAFCON for rejecting homosexuality”. He made this assertion in a press statement.
Archbishop Mbanda expressed his disappointment over Welby’s letter to the Church of Uganda that states he was in “grief” and “sorrow” over the church of Uganda’s support for the reinforcement of anti-homosexual law passed by the parliament and government of Uganda. Sadly, he did not express any grief or sorrow over the crisis that has torn apart the Anglican Communion under his watch nor the downward slide of the compromised Church of England (and the Canterbury Cathedral) which is his See.
More so he pointed out one of the resolutions of the church from the Lambert Conference of 1988; Resolution 1.10 which states the agreement and stand of the church on homosexuality, which states as follows:
- That the teaching of Scripture, upholds faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in a lifelong union,
- That it rejects homosexual practice as incompatible with Scripture and
- That Lambeth cannot advise the legitimizing or blessing of same-sex unions nor ordaining those involved in same-gender unions.
Mbanda questioned the rights and legitimacy of the archbishop of Canterbury to call the leadership of Gafcon to honour the commitment to Resolution 1.10 when he has become the spokesperson to defend practicing homosexuals and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights which is against the said resolution. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Church of England, and other revisionist Anglican Provinces in the West should instead, show sorrow for their sin and failure to follow the word of God, which is the primary source for Anglican theology and divine revelation.
He unalterably reiterated “Homosexuality is a sin. We do not accept LGBT. It is a sin. We will never allow it or trick our children into embracing it. Instead, we need to teach them the word of God so that they can accept Christ”
It is important to note that Gafcon and the GSFA had earlier declared unequivocally that “The archbishop of Canterbury is no longer recognized as the head, leader, or spokesperson of the Anglican Communion, he has lost every power and authority to dictate to or advise other Primates and Provinces of the Communion who oversee 85% of the Global Communion”.
According to Archbishop Mbanda “It is relevant to remind the archbishop of Canterbury that Africa is no longer a colony of the “British Empire” and the Church of England has no jurisdiction over the Anglican Provinces on the continent of Africa. As such, he should stop meddling with the internal affairs of the Anglicans on the continent of Africa” he said.
The Gafcon Chair noted therefore, according to the section of Lambeth Resolution 1.10 which enjoins non-discrimination against persons who experience or practice homosexuality is not an endorsement of the sinful act, but a call for a normal pastoral approach and the responsibility of Church ministers to offer care and counsel to sinners of all categories.
“We will not prevent people (LGBT) from attending church services. The church is for sinners who are saved by God’s grace. We welcome anyone who joins us. We should share with them the good news because the church is for all of us. We pray that everyone repents and accepts Jesus Christ,” He added.
Read Also: Church of Uganda Grateful for Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023
The statement concluded with Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14; “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgement, including every secret thing, whether good or evil”.
