New OS LogoOther Sheep eNews 
 March 30, 2009
 I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them also.  John 10:16
An Open Letter of Encouragement to SMUG and LGBT people in Uganda
from Rev. Michael Kimindu
Other Sheep East Africa Coordinator
Dear Brothers and Sisters of SMUG (Sexual Minorities of Uganda):

Ugandan Homosexuals Claim to be Healed

Information reaching us (Other Sheep East Africa) from Uganda has revealed a group of individuals there claiming to have been homosexual, but now cured, some within a space of two weeks. 

They have also charged that homosexuality is Western and un-Christian.
 
Extensive Studies and African History are Overlooked

This group is ignoring, or may not even be aware of, much scientific, psychological, psychiatric and theological research in this area. 

Their further claim that homosexuality never existed in Africa before colonization is another display of ignorance.

Those Claiming to be healed:  How is the Spirit of Christ now being demonstrated?

And furthermore, if they are healed, why do they talk of fighting those who are yet to find cure? Why not take the message of cure to them in a Christian manner?

If they used to recruit people, whatever that means, let them go and apologize to those they recruited and make peace. They may as well offer themselves to the police for arrest and subsequent charges and imprisonment.

We have suffered and we are now suffering ... until justice is realized

May this message be communicated to these brothers and sisters:  that we who are activists on behalf of LGBT people have suffered much through discrimination, stigma and even physical violence; and that we seek justice, acceptance and inclusion for all.  This we believe is central to the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is also what any civilized community should offer to its members.

Let us pray ... and render evil to no one

On behalf of Other Sheep East Africa, and the Executive Director of Other Sheep, be assured of our prayers at this very trying time.

Remember to not pay evil for evil, but stand firm with the truth.

Rev. Michael Nzuki KIMINDU
Coordinator, Other Sheep East Africa
[email protected]
Nairobi, Kenya 
March 28, 2009
Other Sheep will visit Nepal, Thailand and Malaysia this July and August (2009). Click here for more information.

Correction/Clarification
In the February 6, 2009, issue of Other Sheep eNews, Rev. Neal Christie was identified as a "UMC clergyperson and church leader in Kenya."  Rev. Neal Christie lives in the United States and is the Assistant General Secretary with the Education and Leadership Formation of the General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church, 100 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC.
Other Sheep is an ecumenical, multi-cultural Christian ministry that works worldwide for the full inclusion of LGBT people of faith within their respective faith traditions.

" . . . connecting people with people and people with resources . . . "
Join Our Mailing List
 Related Links
on Homosexuals "Cured" in Uganda

Uganda Local Paper
Icebreakers Comment
GAA Comments

"Ex-gay" Rhetoric Comes to Uganda

--------------

CALL FOR PAPERS:
Writing Queer Kenya

--------------
Rev. Michael Kimindu
Kimindu at MCC Conference England 2008
Photo:  Rev. Kimindu, Nov. 2008, MCC Region 4 Conference, Birmingham, England.  Photo by Steve Parelli

Rev. Michael Kimindu is an Anglican Priest and more recently an ordained MCC (Metropolitan Community Church) minister.  In 2007 he became involved with Other Sheep and subsequently became Coordinator for Other Sheep East Africa.   He has official ties with Changing Attitude and was sponsored by IntegrityUSA and Changing Attitude to attend Lambeth 2008

Rev. Kimindu was already an outspoken Anglican priest for the full inclusion of LGBT Anglicans prior to his meeting Other Sheep when Steve Parelli and Jose Ortiz traveled  to Nairobi, Kenya, to minister to and with LGBT people of faith.

In November of 2008, Rev. Kimindu traveled to England to speak at the Regional 4 MCC Conference (Birmingham) and to a Changing Attitude gathering of clergy and laypeople (Manchester).