By Rev. John Makokha, April 4, 2008.  Nairobi, Kenya.  Homosexuals remain silent because they face a hostile world which society has created through centuries of homophobic discrimination.  Said one gay person, "homosexuals struggle with stigma, rejection, isolation and self-hatred because of discrimination based on their sexual orientation."  This has caused most gay Kenyans to remain in the closet and invisible.

"The isolation and rejection associated with social stigma from family members and religion can be devastating," said another gay Kenyan.  "Our human rights are violated with impunity."

The panel observed that homosexuals do not have equal rights with heterosexuals in terms of private relationships.  This inequality is in contradiction to the International UN charter and the Constitution of Kenya on human rights.  Kenya has a double standard when it comes to the application of the law.  It is because of this denial of their basic human rights that many homosexuals suffer depression, and even some commit suicide.

Often worse than the recently experienced post-election violence in Kenya, is the spiritual and emotional violence inflicted upon its homosexual victims by the verbal abuses of religion.  "Homosexuals should not be allowed to live in any community because they are evil," said the Imam of Jamia Mosque in Nairobi.   Pastor Oginde, although permitting homosexuals to enter his Christian community would do so under the condition that they change from homosexual to heterosexual, citing Sodom and Gomorrah as the justification for his reasoning and redeeming grace in Jesus as the means of change, which is the purpose of all sinners who come to Jesus.

Rev. Kimindu said we preach the gospel of inclusion and affirmation of homosexuals since the model of the expression of Jesus' love is for all of us.  "Homosexuals are our children, brothers, aunties," he said.    "The ways of God transcend human understanding." 

It was noted that it is not correct to refer to homosexuality as a "lifestyle."  Instead, homosexuality is a sexual orientation just like heterosexuality is a sexual orientation and not a "lifestyle."  It was also noted that homosexuals have existed throughout history.

Dr. Renner, of the USA, apologized on behalf of the Western world for pushing their culture to Africa.  He cautioned members not to borrow everything from the West.  "We have not been doing very well . . . " he said.

Makokha said that the issue of homosexuality touches the nerve of many spiritual and theological questions. The religious community should tune-up their theology, spirituality and ministry to homosexuals. The question of moral or judgmental superiority should be avoided since our God is not homophobic. Ignorance, apathy and misunderstanding of the Bible have created a lot of confusion in our religious communities. Homosexuality is a taboo in most religious communities.

The members of the panel unanimously agreed that the issue of homophobia and religion has to be addressed holistically. There is need to create awareness in all cadres of society through seminars and workshop, the media and counseling.