The Anglican Church of Kenya on Monday severed links with the diocese of Chelmsford, England and withdrew its support for visiting clergyman's mission.
In a surprise move, ACK leader Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi said the church was cutting links with the Diocese of Chelmsford and its leader, Bishop Gladwin, following revelations that Gladwin supported homosexuality. Nzimbi said Bishop Gladwin, who is leading a 21-man delegation on a two-week visit in the country would no longer enjoy the ACK's hospitality.
He affirmed that the ACK was dissociating itself from the diocese and dropping all the activities planned with Chelmsford.
In a press statement, the Archbishop said the move followed revelations that Bishop Gladwin led a homosexuals' lobby group. Nzimbi clarified that though Bishop Gladwin had met him before embarking on his mission in the country, they had not discussed his stand on homosexuality.
Archbishop stated that the Kenyan church's position on homosexuality was clear adding that ACK would not back anyone whose stand differed with that of the church.
"We are saying No gays and lesbians and any person with a different stand within this province," he said.
The visiting bishop this Sunday said he was a staunch Anglican. He declined to disclose his take on homosexuality. Gladwin however said he backed the homosexuality debate in church citing the importance of listening to one another for everyone’s growth.
He also denied press reports which linked him with a gay lobby group.
The ACK has, in partnership with the Chelmsford Diocese, initiated development projects including a library at St. Andrew's College, Kabare and various street children's projects.
Bishop Gladwin became patron of Changing attitude, a lobby group campaigning for gays' and lesbians' rights in the Church of England. Other patrons include the Bishop of New Hampshire, Rev Gene Robinson, Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, Rev John Parker and Rev Canon Trevor Dennis of Chester Cathedral.
Mwangi Alex
Christian Today Australia