ACDP: Being gay an abomination

2003-11-03 17:58

Cape Town - The African Christian Democratic Party has criticised Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Njongonkulu Ndungane, for his support of the controversial election of a gay bishop in the United States.

Citing a verse from the Old Testament book Leviticus, ACDP Chief Whip Louis Green said in a statement on Monday that homosexuality was an "abomination", and Ndungane's view on the matter showed a lack of spiritual guidance and biblical insight.

Earlier, SABC reported Ndungane had congratulated Gene Robinson, who has been consecrated as a bishop of the Episcopal Church in the US state of New Hampshire.

Robinson, a 56 year old divorced father of two with a partner of 13 years, is the Episcopal church's first openly gay bishop.

The Episcopal Church is the US branch of the Anglican church. Many Anglican bishops in Africa, Asia and Latin America have condemned Robinson's appointment, with some threatening to sever ties with the US church.

Green said Robinson's appointment was "a violation of God's word that says it is an abomination for a man to lie with a man as he does with a woman (Leviticus 18:22)".

"Although God loves everyone, he does not condone sinful behaviour. The Bible equates homosexuality with perversity and as Christians we cannot interpret God's word to suit modern lifestyles."

Green said he was dismayed Ndungane had sent his congratulations to Robinson.

"We are very disappointed by Njongonkulu Ndungane's celebration of the appointment of a homosexual to a position of leadership within the church.

"It shows a lack of spiritual guidance and biblical insight," he said.

- SAPA