Rev. Christopher Senyonjo recalled the story of a young gay man who feared family rejection before coming out as gay.
The young man's pastor had told him to pray against his feelings. But when the young man came to Senyonjo for counsel, he received a different message.
"I said, 'You should accept yourself,'" Senyonjo said. "'Accept yourself as you are. God loves you as you are."
Senyonjo received the Metropolitan Community Churches Human Rights Award July 3, at MCC's general conference. The 82-year-old spiritual leader has long been an ally in the fight for LGBT rights in and beyond Uganda.
In his acceptance speech, Senyonjo noted the considerable work needed in Uganda on LGBT rights.
Senyonjo recalled being asked by one man why he stood by LGBT people. Senyonjo told the man he believed LGBT people were made in the image of God, and the man slapped him.
"I said to him, 'Your slapping with not kill the truth,'" Senyonjo said.
Senyonjo also reflected on the murder of Ugandan LGBT rights activist David Kato, Senyonjo's friend who he helped bury amid controversy.
Senyonjo noted that Kato's killer likely felt he would have support for the murder.
He called for a better reading of the Bible, one that embraced LGBT people.
"The word of God is not the Bible," Senyonjo said. "It is Jesus Christ who is all of us."
See related articles:
Finding hope for embattled Ugandan LGBTs 2013-07-04: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Finding-hope-for-embattled-Ugandan-LGBTs/43596.html .
MCC marks 40th anniversary of arson murder of 32 2013-07-03: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/MCC-marks-40th-anniversary-of-arson-murder-of-32/43593.html .
Coming Out to Ourselves author to hold workshop at MCC Chicago 2013-06-30: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/Coming-Out-to-Ourselves-author-to-hold-workshop-at-MCC-Chicago-/43530.html .
MCC conference to focus on global justice 2013-06-26: www.windycitymediagroup.com/lgbt/MCC-conference-to-focus-on-global-justice/43479.html .