The Diocese of Rochester [NY] passed:

A Resolution Opposing Anti-Gay Legislation in Uganda

Submitted by General Convention Deputy Neil Houghton on behalf of the Committee for Gay and Lesbian Ministry

Resolved, that the 78th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester condemns the “The Anti-Homosexuality Bill , 2009″ currently before the Parliament of Uganda as a violation of the Ugandan Constitution—as well as several international human and civil rights treaties to which Uganda is a party; and be it further

Resolved, that this Convention express its profounddisappointment that the Anglican Church of Uganda supports this legislation contrary to the Anglican Communion’s “Don’t Throw Stones” initiative; and be it further

Resolved, that this Convention directs the Secretary of Convention to relay this resolution as soon as possible to the following persons…

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
Prime Minister Apollo Nsibambi
Speaker of the Parliament Edward Ssekandi Kiwanuka
The Honorable Opio Gabriel, Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Affairs
Med Kaggwa, Chair of the Uganda Human Rights Commission
Mathisen Gørild, Chair of the Uganda Diplomatic Human Rights Working Groups
Jerry P. Lanier, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Uganda
Perezi K. Kamunanwire, Ugandan Ambassador to the U.S.
Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Uganda to the United Nations
Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Henry Luke Orambi
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori

I will agree that our religious allies are often quiet, unmotivated, unfocused, unorganized, unfunded, and not united. But I have noticed change in the past few years as our allies have become increasingly willing to stand up for what they see as a justice issue.

And our community is increasingly trying to find ways to tap into this asset, though often unsuccessfully and with confusion, as Justin noted in his guest commentary.

So while I am disgusted at the Anglican reaction to Uganda (it’s foul, it’s irresponsible, it’s reprehensible, and any just God will call Rowan Williams to accountability), I am encouraged by the action of the Episcopalians in Kalamazoo.

Let’s hope for more Christians who hear the call to justice and mercy and fewer religious politicians who would rather keep together a collection of ideologically dissimilar religious bodies than speak out against atrocities commited in the name of Christ

Meanwhile, the rest of the Anglican Communion — much like most of Christianity in general — has remained silent.

Wow, what a surprise.

We are often reminded that many moderate or non-fundamentalist Christians are in favor of equality, and surely that is true. And surely many straight people who identify as Christian were involved with the No on 1 campaign, BUT not on behalf of specific Christian organizations/denominations. (someone, please tell me if I’m wrong about this) While the Catholic church was busy pumping big serious money and effort into the Yes on 1 campaign, where was money and organizing efforts from the moderate churches for No on 1? Our Christian opponents are loud, motivated, focused, organized, well funded, and united, while our supposed Christian allies are quiet, unmotivated, unfocused, unorganized, unfunded, and not united. While the moderate denominations issue favorable position statements on gays, they don’t say it too loud or too often out of fear of offending the fundamentalist factions within their denominations who will threaten to leave. So we don’t get much more than words (kind of like Obama).

Does anyone else think his choice of words was intentional?

Nothing.

Not all Anglicans are like that. By any means.

http://pluralistspeaks.blogspot.com/2009/10/final-solution-in-uganda.html

As Worsfold aptly notes:

“Uganda has come up with a Final Solution for gay people … Oh, and remember Rowan [Williams]: the Anglican Communion comes first. Sod what happens to people.”