Received by email
Statement by the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali on the recent decisions to change the definition of marriage by the United States’ Supreme Court and the Episcopal Church in the USA
The decision of the Supreme Court of the United States of America to change the definition of marriage is grievous. There is a saying, “When America sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold.” As a religious leader in Uganda, I want to assure all Ugandans that we will do everything we can to promote the good moral health of our people and resist such immoral viruses that may try to infiltrate our people.
Likewise, the most recent decision of the Episcopal Church USA (TEC) to change the definition of marriage is even more grievous. At best, it sprang from a desire to extend pastoral care to members of its church who experience same-sex attraction. Pastoral care, however, that is contrary to the Bible’s message is, ultimately, cruel and misleading.
The Church of Uganda broke communion with the Episcopal Church USA (TEC) in 2003 when they unilaterally changed the received Biblical and moral teaching of the Anglican Communion on ordination. The Primates of the Anglican Communion unanimously agreed ”“ including the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church ”“ that, should TEC proceed with the consecration as Bishop of a divorced father of two living in a same-sex relationship, it would tear the fabric of the Communion at its deepest level, which is exactly what has happened over the past twelve years.
In spite of TEC’s 2006 resolution that expressed their “regret” at “straining” the bonds of affection in the Anglican Communion, they have, nonetheless, continued their march toward dismantling the Christian faith and morals, culminating in their recent decision to change the definition of marriage ”“ something that was “given by God in creation.”
Likewise, Jesus said, “At the beginning of creation God ”˜made them male and female.’ ”˜For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Mark 10.6-9).
The definition and meaning of marriage is not something that can be defined by voting. It is something that is given by God in general revelation and in special revelation, and it is for us as human beings and, especially, the Church, to simply receive and follow. The fact that 2+2 equals 4 cannot be changed by a vote or decree. Neither can the meaning of marriage between a man and a woman be changed by a vote.
What St. Paul wrote to Timothy is as relevant today as it was almost 2,000 years ago. “For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.” (2 Timothy 4.3-4)
The Church of Uganda was blessed to play a small role in the creation of the Anglican Church in North America as an alternative and biblically faithful Anglican Church in North America. Through our GAFCON fellowship, a number of Archbishops from Global South Provinces recognized the validity of the Anglican Church in North America, and we support them in their resolution to promote healthy and spiritually strong families and marriages between one man and one woman.
Sadly, the so-called “Instruments of Communion” in the Anglican Communion have not been able to restore godly order to the Communion, nor do they seem to have the will to do so. While we despair at the path TEC has taken and their imperialist commitment to export it to the rest of the Anglican Communion, we do not lose hope. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13.8) “We do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4.5)
The Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali
Archbishop of Church of Uganda.
7th July 2015
Archbishop Ntagali gets it! Why is it that something that is so plain to other Anglicans in other countries seems to be so confusing to some bishops in TEC? Why oh why doesn’t TEC get it??
ECUSA doesn’t get “it,” because, in abandoning the gospel delivered to us by the saints, they don’t want “it.” Simple.
ECUSA feels happier by conforming to what non-Christians want than by conforming to what God wants.
Blogs all over the place discuss how Christians are unfair. Just this week one of my children posted about the hard-nosed members of his family, whom, he says, he still loves, but who are un-Christian because we insist on sticking with the Bible. “That’s just not fair,” he’s saying. Well, those who are not allowed to enter into Heaven will probably think their choices along the were “fair,” but they’ll learn, like Lazarus, that their choices cannot be changed.
Son of man, you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people Ezekiel 12:2
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them John 12:40
Thank you Archbishop Ntagali and Church of Uganda and God bless you.
Even “born again” Jimmy doesn’t get it.
“Jimmy Carter Says Jesus Would Approve Of Gay Marriage”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/07/jimmy-carter-gay-marriage_n_7744390.html
This is the best & strongest response yet against TEC’s actions. Thankful for Abp. Ntagali and the Church of Uganda. May God continue to give them courage not only to speak the truth, but to live it.
Yes, the Church in Uganda gets it because Christians there have long memories of a horrible history connected to the depravity of homosexuality. Look up the Martyrs of Uganda and King Mwanga to see where the lessons of history help to strengthen the backbone of faith for these folks.
SC blu cat lady, TEC doesn’t get it for the same reason that a burglar doesn’t seem to be able to find a police officer.
Hey All, I *know* whyTEC does not get it…. it is just frustrating at times when the answer is perfectly clear and they refuse to acknowledge it.