Why Uganda, Why homosexuality, Why now?
During the government of Idi Amin, Christian missionaries and Christian worship were outlawed. After his government collapsed in the 1990’s, Uganda served as a fertile ground for the spread of evangelicals who took the opportunity to advance the conversion and spread of conservative Christian beliefs to a population both hungry for food and faith. This combined with the youngest median age on the continent of Africa (15 years old due to AIDS and years of civil war), has made the population extremely attractive for fundamentalists to spread their message and make a more permanent mark. Americans missionaries were then welcomed and the money flowed in from conservative evangelical Christian churches, predominantly from IHOP (International House of Prayer in St. Louis, Missouri). Homosexuality has always been a critical message for these ultra-conservative Christians and since the ordination of gay Bishops by different denominations; their homophobic message has found a turning point and a heightened rhetoric. What could not be accomplished in any Western and educated society is being thrust upon the young and impressionable citizens and government of Uganda.
What cooperation did you have from the conservative Christian movement International House of Prayer (IHOP)?
IHOP provided full access. The church was aware of the nature of the film and prayed for “God” to”direct” the film. And as they prayed to God for that direction, God indeed has directed the film to show the hypocrisy of the movement.
What was the relationship between the government, IHOP and high financial donors?
Very strong, it is considered political suicide if a parliament member votes against a church initiative. It is believed that close to one billion dollars are given annually to support this faith-based initiative especially the anti-homosexual initiatives, but because they don’t have to file tax returns, no one knows.
What inspired you to make this film?
The personal rejection as a gay man prompted me to look at other areas of the world where rejection occurs. Knowing the extremist of rejections in Uganda, served as a strong inspiration.
Do you have a message to our readers and how can people get involved?
Eighty-one year old Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo wants everyone to know regardless of your sexual orientation that “You are created by God and you are loved by God. God does not make mistakes,” he said as he took a bite of his fish. “I love fish, if you come to Uganda I will take you fishing. Do you fish?,” he asked. I responded that I wasn’t too good at it, but it did provide a great opportunity to sit and fellowship. He laughed and continued, “Our ministry is to tell everyone, whether they are gay or straight that they are loved and that God loves you. I am a man of God, who am I to judge?” As I sat and listened and carried on a wonderful theological discussion I really came to know that the man I was having lunch with was a man filled with great faith.
Help is needed financially and to share the news about the atrocities and murders that are happening in that African Country in the name of God and Christianity by setting up screenings in your area.
See a trailer from the film, invite them to show it at your church or organization or make a contribution to the St. Paul’s Reconciliation of Equality Center in Uganda by visiting www.GodLovesUganda.com.
