Word: church
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Anglican bishops met in Tanzania in February to issue an ultimatum to the U.S. church, calling for an end to both the appointment of gay clergy and the approval of same-sex unions. After a six-day meeting in New Orleans, American Episcopalians decided Wednesday that they will "exercise restraint" in doing both actions, but did not announce an end to its liberal position on homosexuality. The Episcopal Church also called for an end to the practice of foreign bishops consecrating Americans...
...decision is inadequate - clearly, the Episcopal Church has torn apart the Anglican Communion and wants to walk away from the rest of the church," Guernsey says. "The Episcopal Church embarked on its course before there were African bishops and will continue to do so." He adds that American churches have become too dry and lost their vigor. In contrast, Guernsey says that Western visitors are often overwhelmed by the heightened religiosity found in Ugandan churches...
...church is attractive because of its intensity. It is lively and makes you feel at home," says Ugandan teacher Irene Muitta as she squints in the sun outside of All Saints' Cathedral, Kampala's most prominent Anglican institution. Evoking memories of Bible-thumping Puritans, the service includes impassioned personal testimonies; sweeping, cautionary tales against "evil" and rousing, eardrum-splitting singing...
...mention, he proudly adds, the fact that Africa is at the forefront in the fight against homosexuality. "We're looking to the Church of Uganda for spiritual protection," Guernsey states when asked why American congregations are seeking leadership thousands of miles away. Guernsey says that he was part of the U.S. Episcopal Church for 29 years before he fled to Uganda in 2006. Much of the Anglican Church in Africa is opposed to the ordaining of gay priests and to same-sex unions. Many African countries have laws banning homosexuality altogether...
Some will wonder if a gaggle of congregations praying under the Church of Uganda will make any difference in the way Americans worship. U.S. Episcopalians represent a hugely wealthy segment of the Anglican communion, but they are declining in numbers. Uganda's Anglican church-attending population has boomed from 2.5 to 9.6 million over the past 30 years. The church in America, however, has had no discernible growth...