Further Updates on the Murder of David Kato

Violence broke out at his funeral when a person who claimed to be a pastor disrupted the service with an anti-gay tirade. The villagers in Mukono, Uganda then refused to bury his body. He was finally buried by friends and family. What the hell? Is he radioactive?


The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, issued this statement yesterday (courtesy of Thinking Anglicans):

Friday 28 January 2011

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, who is currently in Dublin for the Primates’ meeting, has made the following statement regarding the murder of the gay human rights activist David Kato Kisulle in Uganda:

“The brutal murder of David Kato Kisule, a gay human rights activist, is profoundly shocking. Our prayers and deep sympathy go out for his family and friends - and for all who live in fear for their lives. Whatever the precise circumstances of his death, which have yet to be determined, we know that David Kato Kisule lived under the threat of violence and death. No one should have to live in such fear because of the bigotry of others. Such violence has been consistently condemned by the Anglican Communion worldwide. This event also makes it all the more urgent for the British Government to secure the safety of LGBT asylum seekers in the UK. This is a moment to take very serious stock and to address those attitudes of mind which endanger the lives of men and women belonging to sexual minorities.”

It is a strong and unequivocal statement, a long time coming, but still welcome.

I wish I could vouch for the accuracy of this line:

"Such violence has been consistently condemned by the Anglican Communion worldwide."

... but I can't. I'm afraid a lot of Anglicans, including some bishops, are instigators and perpetrators.

If I had my way, some influential evangelicals, together with their financial backers and some bishops, would be sitting in The Hague right now awaiting trial.

Moral relativism anybody?


ADDENDUM:

Here is the statement of Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts-Schori from the Primates Conference in Dublin:

At this morning’s Eucharist at the Primates Meeting, I offered prayers for the repose of the soul of David Kato. His murder deprives his people of a significant and effective voice, and we pray that the world may learn from his gentle and quiet witness, and begin to receive a heart of flesh in place of a heart of stone. May he rest in peace, and may his work continue to bring justice and dignity for all God’s children.

That's what I always find so amazing about Bishop Schori, she sounds so gracious, generous, and reasonable when everyone else is getting ugly. What's more, she makes it seem so natural, whereas Archbishop Williams comes across as so labored and anxious.

Hat tip to Mimi and to all the other people who posted this.