The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby and John Sentamu, have today issued a joint communiqué to all Primates of the Anglican Communion around the world and to the Presidents of Nigeria and Uganda, expressing their opposition to the new laws that in many countries – especially in Africa – are discriminating against gay people.
“The victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us. We assure homosexual people that they are children of God, loved and valued by Him and deserving the best we can give” in terms of “pastoral care and friendship”.
In this regard, Welby and Sentamu recall in their statement the words of a communiqué issued in 2005 by the Primates of the Anglican Communion: “We wish to make it quite clear that in our discussion and assessment of moral appropriateness of specific human behaviours, we continue unreservedly to be committed to the pastoral support and care of homosexual people”.
Hence the two English Archbishops call upon the leaders of Anglican Churches across the world to “demonstrate the love of Christ and the affirmation” expressed in the communiqué of 2005.