Curious Christian

Reflections on culture, nature, and spirituality from a Christian perspective

Joyce Meyer joins critics of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Published by

Matt Stone

2010-04-15

Christian Today reports:

Charismatic preacher Joyce Meyer has spoken out against Uganda’s highly contentious Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

In a statement released Monday, Meyer said it is “increasingly evident” that the Bill introduced in the Ugandan parliament is a “profoundly offensive, dangerous and disturbing attack on the very foundation of individual liberties and human rights afforded not only to the good citizens of Uganda, but on the at-large global community”.

“If enacted, this hostile legislation will also further, and adversely, serve as a major setback in the global health efforts to combat Uganda’s Aids epidemic and reduce the record-high infection rates among the country’s HIV population, an already at-risk community that could be further ostracised, threatened, and targeted as potential criminals,” she added, echoing comments from groups like World Vision.

Proposed last October, Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill seeks to strengthen the criminalisation of homosexuality in Uganda by introducing the death penalty for people who are considered serial offenders, are suspected of “aggravated homosexuality” and are HIV-positive, or who engage in sexual acts with those under 18 years of age.

“As a global society, we do not have to agree, endorse or condone the lifestyle choices of others. However, history has taught us that we equally cannot and should not excuse those who would hide behind religion or misuse God’s word to justify bigotry and persecution,” she insisted.

Similar to Joyce Meyer, I do not have to agree with the lifestyle choise of homosexuals to condemn this Anti-Homosexuality Bill as a gross injustice that contravenes the grace of God and the teachings of Jesus.

If you’d like to read the full article see Joyce Meyer joins critics of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

Tags Sexuality

8 responses to “Joyce Meyer joins critics of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill”

James Jones

2010-04-15

I have to admit, I am impressed with her comments. I hope this junk is stopped.

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Matt Stone

2010-04-15

I wonder what position the Sydney Anglican hierarchy are taking. The article notes this: “Some, including the Anglican Church of Uganda, have also expressed support for amendments to the legislation that call for exemption from punishment for health care professionals, pastors and counsellors who may minister to homosexuals or care for HIV patients.” That’s a fairly limp wristed response to an injustice my way of thinking. The Jensen’s often team up with African Anglicans on the world scene. Do they stand with the Ugandan Anglicans or against the Ugandan Anglicans on death to homosexuals? Or do they prefer to fence sit? Anybody heard any murmerings?

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Jonathan Blake

2010-04-16

I have just gained an incredible amount of respect for Joyce Meyers.

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Andrew Park

2010-04-16

Matt, this release from AVAAZ.ORG may be of some interest. AVAAZ is a social justice activist site.
Uganda – in an unprecedented show of public opposition to the proposed law that would sentence gay Ugandans to death, Avaaz worked with church leaders and human rights activists to deliver a 450,000-strong petition to the Speaker of Uganda’s parliament in an hour-long meeting and a press conference that made headlines around the country and the world.
Parliament had been expected to begin debate in February — but in the face of local and global pressure, Parliament still hasn’t begun formal discussion. Some say the bill may be left to die in committee, potentially a quiet but extraordinary victory for human rights. Avaaz continues to work closely with allies to monitor the bill — and stands ready to take action once more if it regains momentum.
Uganda:
• Bill was to be debated in February or March http://www.avaaz.org/uganda_law_AAP
• Read this front-page story from one of Uganda’s biggest newspapers: http://www.avaaz.org/daily_monitor — or this BBC story: http://www.avaaz.org/BBC_Uganda — to get a sense of the global press coverage
The Uganda laws were also the subject of substantial critique and discussion in a Christianity Today magazine about two months ago.
You can sign a petition against the laws at the AVAAZ site.
Good on Joyce Meyer for what she has said about this issue.

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Holytape

2010-04-17

As much as I appreciate Christian speaking out against this bill, this is a monster of their creation. While people can chant the mantra, “Love the sinner, hate the sin,” all they want, portraying a sect of society as hell-bound sinners, especially if that part of society is already on the margins, will inevitably lead to this.
Also if you read the bill, the death penalty can be applied to any homosexual or to anyone who knows a homosexual. For example if you commit a homosexual act, that’s strike one, and if you then don’t inform the authorities within twenty-four hours that’s strike two. You are now a serial offender. Or let’s say that you know of a gay couple, and you don’t report them to the authorities within twenty four hours, well that is two strikes against you and you are now a serial offender.
Religious Art in Tape

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Matt Stone

2010-04-17

Holytape, how we be collectively respensible when collectively we’re obviously divided on the issue? To argue Christians are collectively responsible is like arguing Atheists are collectively responsible for the killing fields of Pol Pot.
Obviously there are African Christians that support it, but just as obviously there are many American and other Christians who oppose it. That pentecostals of Joyce Meyer’s ilk have openly joined the opposition shows the opposition is substantial; that many, even many conservatives, consider this an unChristian bill. And we haven’t even talked about liberal Christians yet. Your position here strikes me as way too simplistic. Christian positions are considerably more diverse and nuanced than this. Why not stand beside the Christians who oppose the bill, together against the ones who support it? Wouldn’t that be more constructive. Together we’re stronger.

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Matt Stone

2010-04-19

Jonathan, I still have issues with her positive confession teachings, but yes the unexpectedness of this announcement does prompt me to re-evaluate somewhat.

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Andrew Park

2010-04-19

Matt, Rick Warren has been a very outspoken critic of the Ugandan death penalty proposal. Has been severely criticised by Ugandan evangelical factions for it for “meddling from above” as their tactic of trying to shut him up – by inferring he is being arrogant and imperialistic. To me it is a criticism of “convenience” – an exercise in spin doctoring tactics from them. If they are so confident they are right, why go for than man rather than his message?

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