January 19, 2014:

O Brother Man, Fold to Thy Heart

“. . . are visited upon their children even to the third and fourth generations.” (Exodus 20:5)

      A new law in Nigeria, signed by the president without public announcement, has made it illegal for gay people even to hold a meeting. The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act also criminalizes homosexual clubs, associations and organizations, with penalties of up to 14 years in jail.

      Some Nigerian gays already have fled the country because of intolerance of their sexual persuasion, and more are considering leaving, if the new law is enforced.

      Nigeria’s law is not as draconian as a Ugandan bill passed by parliament last month which would punish “aggravated” (whatever that means) homosexual acts with life in prison. It awaits the president’s signature.

(Source:  January 14, 2014 Times Free Press)

      These vicious laws, as well as other serious acts of prejudice, can be directly tied to the conversion of Africans by Northern European and American missionaries. Sadly, past and some present missionaries, come from the most conservative Christian groups. For two hundred years these missionaries have taught a literal reading of the Bible to their converts. As we know in our country there are a few cattered biblical verses that condemn homosexuality and even call for putting to death those who practice it.

      While “mainline” missionaries from denominations such as the U.C.C. no longer teach or condone such beliefs and practices, their place has been taken by legions of conservative evangelical missionaries who continue to teach this foolish and wicked faith. As if this were not bad enough, well-known evangelical preachers such as Rick Warren give personal and financial support to them.

      We should strongly encourage our nation to condemn these and other civil rights abuses and to penalize those African nations who do not mend their ways. We made this mess and it is high time we tried to clean it up.

Love,

Pastor Dave