ACK church suspends five clerics over homosexuality

the-star.co.ke September 10, 2015 

The Anglican Church of Kenya has suspended five of its clergymen following findings by a tribunal that they were guilty of homosexuality.

The decision to suspend the five – four married with children and another unmarried – was reached by a tribunal set up by the Mt Kenya West Diocese.

Sources said those suspended are from Othaya, Karatina and Murang’a and Nyeri towns; the diocese has branches in counties including Nyeri, Murang’a and Laikipia.

Bishop Joseph Kagunda, who noted that the preachers could not be named as they have a right to appeal, said a probe began after the church received reports of homosexuality in August.

“This was when one of our young men came seeking prayers for deliverance from guilt after he was lured into participating in homosexual activities by one of our senior clergy,” he said.

“Initially, it was one senior clergyman but after investigations, four other clergymen were mentioned.”

Young men are said to have been spending nights in the vicars’ houses; the clergymen reportedly befriended and requested them to visit for spiritual guidance but would seduce and force them to engage in homosexuality.

Kagunda said a diocesan tribunal was established to hear the matter, in accordance with the constitution of the church.

He said the tribunal determined that the clergymen were “guilty of sin” after analysing evidence and hearing the defense by the accused.

“A number of witnesses appeared and gave their evidence before the accused clergyman, who also had an opportunity to question them. The church also followed the cases of the four others in the same manner,” he said.

“The sentences upon these four clergy have ranged from formal admonition, suspension and deprivation depending on the outcome of each case. All these judgements have been communicated to the concerned clergy.”

He spoke during a press conference at a church guest house in Nyeri town on Thursday, attended by 30 Synod standing comittee members.

Kagunda said the preachers were tried and that some have admitted involvement in homosexuality.

He said they risk deposition but have a right to appeal, and were given an opportunity to repent and reform.

“Deposition in the church is like withdrawing the service license and so the accused cannot preside over any church function,” he explained.

Kagunda said the matter calls for internal disciplinary action, but that those who were allegedly lured are at liberty to report it to the police.

“It has been our desire to resolve this issue as a church, through established structures, without blowing the whistle,” he said.

“However, it must be noted that the Anglican Church of Kenya and the Diocese in particularly, is totally against any kind of gay practise and marriage.”

He noted that this was unlike the mother church, the Church of England, which he said embraces homosexuality.

Kagunda said none of the parishioners who allegedly engaged in the practice with the clergymen were minors.