Pro-gay church community established in Kenya & Uganda

Catholic New Times, May 21, 2006

CANARY ISLANDS -- According to African News Agency, the church community of St Sebastian, based in the Spanish Canary Islands, has announced the establishment of its first fellowships in Africa. Communities will be established in Kenya and Uganda where, according to some, there is a great deal of homophobia.

According to Rev. Paul Gibson, leader of the St Sebastian community, the establishment of fellowships in Kenya and Uganda "is only the beginning of a new fully inclusive church that will grow in strength and stature, while also becoming a voice for Christians who have been marginalized by an out-of-date system of administration." The church leader leaves no doubt that, when he speaks about "marginalized Christians," he mainly refers to Kenyans and Ugandans with a sexual minority background.

Asked how potential followers could get in touch with the newly established fellowships in Kenya and Uganda, which have no official address or marked houses of worship, the church leader expressed security concerns and directed that initial contact be made with him at commofsebastians@hotmail.com.

"We are an independent Christian fellowship and people of all faiths are welcome to join us," Gibson declared, adding that both Catholics and Protestants were welcome. The community of St Sebastian is based in the Gran Canaria holiday resort of Playa del Ingles, which is one of the world's leading gay tourist destinations. People who are gay form a large part of the St Sebastian community's local membership.