Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, one of Uganda's leading LGBT-rights activists, continued his U.S. speaking tour Oct. 18 at the All Saints Episcopal Church on Chicago's North Side.
Senyonjo is among the most vocal opponents of Uganda's so-called "Kill the Gays Bill," which would make homosexuality punishable by death. The bill also targets those who are HIV-positive or convicted criminals.
"We need to work hard to decriminalize [being] LGBT," Senyonjo said, "because if this kind of trend goes on, it is very dangerous for the human race."
Speaking to a small crowd on a rainy night, Senyonjo (who is heterosexual and married) reiterated the main point of his ministry: There's nothing wrong with homosexuality.
"Whatever people may say, God accepts you as you are," he said. "It isn't just heterosexuals who are accepted by God. God accepts and loves people [who are LGBTQ] because he created them… They don't need to change."
Senyonjo served as a bishop in the Anglican Church of Uganda from 1974 to 1998. In 1999, he began counseling a group of gay men who had come to him with concerns about their sexual orientation.
"They were being told that even God didn't love them," Senyonjo said. "They told me that they were contemplating committing suicide. ... They kept praying for change, but they weren't going to change, so they were giving up on life."
Moved by the stories, Senyonjo began preaching acceptance and compassion. He quickly signed on to be a chaplain for the pro-LGBT rights group Integrity Uganda, and was just as quickly deposed from the Anglican Church. Senyonjo received numerous death threats, but continued his ministry internationally, preaching on behalf of the 76 countries where homosexuality is criminalized.
"Jesus came for the oppressed people," Senyonjo said of his work. "And I find that LGBT people are being oppressed."
During his 25-minute talk, Senyonjo said one of the main problems in organized religion is that leaders are too quick to expound negativity.
"A lot of preachers are still preaching bad news to LGBT people," Senyonjo said, "but God came to bring good news. I sometimes think, instead of preaching good news, we find and create bad news."
Senyonjo closed the evening with a call for compassion. He stressed that respecting all human beings and trying to walk in others' shoes will lead to social justice.
"Compassion is to be open to listening to stories," Senyonjo said. "Some of them are stories you may not wantthey may not be palatable for you or to mebut you'll listen. And as you listen, you're attached. Not only are you attached, but you have to act. Compassion leads to action."
Senyonjo and his wife Mary remained at All Saints after the speech to enjoy complimentary snacks (fruit, hors d'oeuvres) and candid conversation with parishioners.
The appearance at All Saints was one of several stops for Senyonjo while in Chicago.