wfn.org | ACNS3730 Congo statement on homosexuality and blessings of

["Anglican Communion News Service" <acnslist@anglicancommunion.org>]

ACNS 3730     |     CONGO     |     5 JANUARY 2004 

Statement of the Bishops of the Anglican Province of the Democratic Republic
of Congo on homosexuality and blessings of same-sex unions within the
Anglican Communion

We, the Bishops of the Anglican Province of the Democratic Republic of the
Congo, (DRCongo) gathered in Kinshasa, its capital city, on behalf of the
clergy and laity from the DRCongo, take this opportunity to officially
express our unhappiness regarding the issues which have recently arisen
pertaining to the issues of homosexuality and the blessing of same-sex
relationships which we believe are contrary to Holy Scripture, and to moral
law in the Third World. We therefore strongly condemn:

- the consecration of Canon GENE ROBINSON, a divorcee and an actively gay
bishop of the US New Hampshire Diocese of the Episcopal Church on 2nd
November 2003;

- the access to priesthood of actively gay and lesbian people;

- the use of the newly devised Prayer Book published by the Diocese of New
Westminster/Canada for the purpose of officiating the blessing of same-sex
marriages.

We believe that the above-mentioned acts clearly and deliberately
misinterpret:

a) the Word of God

b) the resolution 1:10,98 of the Lambeth Conference of 1998 prohibiting
homosexuality, an act contrary to Christian calling in Holy Scripture. In its
position of moral keeper, the Church must do all in its power to prevent
immorality and itself avoid being corrupted and in turn corrupting the whole
world.

c) the work of the Commission established to study in depth the issue of
homosexuality. The findings of this Commission initiated by the Archbishop of
Canterbury to try and establish proper solutions to homosexuality in the
Church is due in October 2004. The bishops from the Third World opposed the
consecration of Canon GENE ROBINSON as bishop in their meetings at Lambeth
Palace, London in October 2003.

We knowingly declare that:

1 the Anglican Province of Congo strongly condemns homosexuality and wishes
to disassociate itself from relations with Dioceses and Parishes involved in
homosexuality. Therefore, it disapproves the confirmation and consecration

2 of Canon GENE ROBINSON, a man living openly in a homosexual relationship,
as bishop in God's ministry. 
The Anglican Province of Congo is in fellowship with all Parishes, Dioceses
and Provinces of ECUSA and of the Anglican Church of Canada in opposition to
homosexuality. It is happy to support both morally, pastorally and
spiritually all Christians from every part of the world within the network of
theologically orthodox churches and Dioceses in opposition to homosexuality.

3 The Anglican Province of Congo condemns every immoral act which promotes
active homosexuality as a cultural norm. The Gospel purifies all culture and
must be in agreement with Holy Scripture.

4 The Anglican Province of Congo rejects the newly published New Westminster
Diocesan Book of Prayer promoting the blessing of same-sex union. It calls
upon each and every women and man of God to think about God's Word relating
to marriage in Genesis 1:27,28 and encourages abstinence as the appropriate
way for those who are not called to marriage. The Anglican Province of Congo
therefore invites any person knowingly involved in homosexuality to repent
from his/her sin and return to the fullness of relationship with Christ.
(Lev.18:23; Mat.19:4-6; Romans 1:23-27).

5 The Anglican Province of Congo seriously warns any of its Dioceses or
Parishes that have fellowship with any such groups that are involved in
active homosexuality for the purpose of material interest and support.

6 The Anglican Province of Congo calls upon all goodwill Christians to
refrain from criticizing, judging or remaining silent on issues pertaining to
active homosexuality ravaging the western world and to seriously pray for
their return to God in true repentance.

7 The Anglican Province of Congo invites all within the network of the
theologically orthodox Anglican Communion to remain firm of faith and be
involved in a fellowship based on spiritual, moral, material and/or financial
support to each other.

8 The Anglican Communion is a precious gift from Christ Himself that needs to
be jealously protected and promoted by each and every faithful Anglican
Church.

Kinshasa, 20th December 2003

For the House of Bishops
The Most Revd Dr DIROKPA BALUFUGA Fidele
Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Congo

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