I am sending this message on behalf of the International Program Committee (IPC) of Lutherans Concerned/North America. By now, many have heard the tragic news of the brutal murder of one of the key Ugandan LGBT advocates, David Kato (see http://tinyurl.com/DavidKatoMurdered). As news agencies have reported, David was targeted for harassment and bullying by those seeking LGBT repression–in this case, the most extreme form of bullying.
In the professional work I did previously in Uganda, I sought to enable all Ugandans to participate in the future development of their country. I worked to build a future for Ugandan children particularly, children such as David was back then. As an adult, David gave his life in a tireless effort to enable the LGBT community to live safely and comfortably in the community of Uganda. That his murder comes during a period when certain Christian leaders from the U.S. have been actively campaigning against LGBT people in Uganda and other African nations is extremely disturbing to me (see http://tinyurl.com/UgandaChristian).
Many of you have begun to make plans to join the fund raising campaign mentioned in the all-member-email of January 16, which aims to support the St. Paul’s Reconciliation and Equity Center established by Bishop Senyonjo in Kampala (see http://stpaulsfoundation.com). One of the focuses of the Center’s work will be on establishing sanctuary, so as to provide a shelter from the kind of violence that killed David Kato. We welcome your participation and will send more information on the steps to follow for consolidation of the funds raised.
While the fundraising details are being worked out, I ask you to offer up your prayers for David and all who mourn him. And I, too, ask for your prayers–this intersection of oppression has proved a bitter one for me.
There are two important, related events being organized as I write this.
- The International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission, LC/NA, and over thirty other organizations are co-sponsoring a silent vigil and procession in New York City to mourn David Kato’s ruthless murder. It will be held Thursday, February 3. For the full info, please see http://lutheransconcerned.blogspot.com/2011/02/vigil-to-commemorate-slain-ugandan.html.
- On Monday, February 7, a Memorial Service will be held for David Kato at Riverside Church (490 Riverside Dr., New York, NY). Please see http://tinyurl.com/KatoService.
I implore all those who live in the Metro New York area to attend one or both of these events.
In Christ’s name, who reconciles all,
Philip Moeller
Director, International Program Committee
Lutherans Concerned/North America