Queerprism256 podcast

Today we laid to rest our hero, the Late Rt. Rev. Dr. Disan Christopher Senyonjo, Bishop Emeritus of West Buganda. We were deeply touched, and some of us could not help but cry when we learned that he had ordered his will to be read publicly before his body was lowered into its resting place. Among the many things in his will were these words: "In my guidance and counseling career, I have welcomed all without discriminating against anyone, including many who ask themselves why God created them differently. These people need to be understood, listened to, and treated with empathy. Counsel them, keep their secrets confidential, and guide them according to what is happening in their lives. A counselor does not judge but counsels and guides. It is our responsibility to face what was not previously known. Among those who need counseling, we have found that homosexuals need counseling and guidance, not judgment. The homosexuals know very well that I am not a homosexual, and you all know this too. The issue of homosexuals, which has long been a controversy in many religions, can be resolved. On this matter, I request that theological colleges or seminaries include a course on human sexuality and marriage. This will help religious leaders know how to handle the matter wisely. I kindly request the Church of Uganda and the Church globally to be brave. The church should not fear the world but do the work of spreading the gospel, counseling and guiding all without treating some as unworthy, and without persecuting, harassing, or tormenting anybody." What amazed us most was the reception of these words: complete silence and full attention as every word was read exactly as he ordered. Not a single person showed any disregard for the contents of his will concerning us, homosexuals. Such a true and real religious man. Rest in peace our hero, Rt. Rev. Dr. Disan Christopher Senyonjo, Bishop Emeritus of West Buganda. 🙏🏿

Today at St. Andrew’s Church, Bukoto, Church of Uganda, in a service as we mourned with the family of the Late Rt. Rev. Dr. Disan Christopher Senyonjo. His son, Joseph Senyonjo Sebulime, spoke with deep passion about his father’s love for every person. I admired how clearly and deliberately he affirmed the full dignity of LGBTIQ+ people in Uganda and across Africa. He echoed the exact words of the Late Rt. Rev. Dr. Disan Christopher Senyonjo: “It is like being left-handed. Some time ago, teachers used to force left-handed students to write with their right hand. We laugh now at that belief. It simply does not make any sense. I hope that one day we will also laugh, although it is not funny at all. I would say we will be ashamed at the way we treat LGBTQ people.” He called the church to open its arms and welcome LGBTIQ+ people, for they too are children of God. He called Africa to end the persecution of LGBTIQ+ people, for they deserve to live with the same freedom and dignity as every other human being. The Late Rt. Rev. Dr. Disan Christopher Senyonjo is no longer with us. We may not soon see another religious leader who so fully preach and live the Gospel whose heart is pure love. Yet he has left us another clear and courageous voice to hold. Thank you, Joseph Senyonjo Sebulime. Rt. Rev. Dr. Disan Christopher Senyonjo, your light continues to shine upon us. Your legacy lives within us forever. Rest in peace, Rt. Rev. Dr. Disan Christopher Senyonjo.