Noted: "Gay Bishop Must Resign or Confess, Says Sudan Church Head"

Sanity prevails, at least in the Sudan:

The head of the Anglican church in Sudan said on Tuesday that unity could be restored to the troubled Anglican Communion only when the openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson resigns or confesses he has "made a mistake" in embracing homosexuality.

The Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Deng Bul told reporters at the Lambeth Conference, the once-a-decade gathering of Anglican bishops, that Robinson “should resign for the sake of the Church.”

“We consider him as a human being. We are not throwing him away. But he is supposed to resign to allow the Church to be united,” he said. “The norms of the Anglican Communion have been violated.”

He added that those involved with Robinson's consecration also had to confess.
"We as Christians always forgive one another and confess whenever we make mistakes. If they could do that that would help the Anglican world."

Just under a quarter of Communion's bishops have boycotted the Conference in protest of the attendance of pro-gay clergy. The absent bishops, largely conservative church leaders from the Global South, held an alternative summit in Jerusalem last month, the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).

“I think there is already a breakdown of the Anglican Communion,” the Sudanese archbishop said. “Three hundred bishops have stayed away from this conference because of Gene Robinson. Shouldn’t Gene Robinson resign to allow the 300 bishops to come back to the house?”

In an official statement issued earlier on Tuesday, the Episcopal Church of Sudan said that it could not accept church leaders who practice contrary to the biblical teaching on sexuality. (Christian Today)

Coverage: Former Abp. of Zimbabwe Pius Ncube admits adulterous affair

Last September I blogged at length about the resignation of Zimbabwen Archbishop Pius Ncube.

At the time, the truth of the matter was difficult to determine. For the full backstory, read the original post.

Today, things are very clear:

"It is true, I do admit that I did fail in keeping God's commandment with regard to adultery," admitted Pius Ncube ...” "Having failed in keeping the Seventh Commandment Thou shalt not commit adultery, I would like to apologize to you, I'd like to apologize that so many of you were praying for me, for the fact that so many of you standing with me in fact suffered so much." (via CNA, more from CWNews.)

Ncube was the most vocal opponent of the President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, whom from all reports, is a thoroughly nasty dictator. It is a great blow that his personal sin has destroyed his ability to effectively help the plight of Zunbabwen citizens. It didn't help that he long denied the truth of the adultery charges.

One report said he was "widely tipped as a future Nobel Peace Prize winner" but has now been "ordered to stop speaking out about conditions in his devastated country" by Rome. Zimbabwe has the highest infaltion rate and lowest life expectancy. There is areport that Ncube is now in the United Kingdom awaiting a Vatican decision.

Frontier Africa TV has a short video clip of the his admission, and scenes from his ministry. It's moving.

He says:

"I'm not going to be silenced. I don't mind so much what people do to me personally, but what I do mind is the damage and evil to the people coming from the government of Zimbabwe.

More from the Sunday Herald.

I've been watching to see how the media treats this situation:

Zimbabwe has lost in the immediate term what was one of the most courageous and best-known voices of opposition to Mugabe. In the longer term, the controversy will inevitably raise questions about the gap between how prelates in Rome believe the faithful in Africa should behave, and the reality on the ground.

It is no great secret among those who live in Africa that Roman Catholic priests on that continent often honour the vow of celibacy as much in the breach as in the practice. Some priests have children, while others listen to the quiet advice of their bishops to practice birth control. Roman Catholic nuns sometimes defy papal doctrine and freely distribute condoms to their flocks to help counter the HIV/Aids pandemic, which is cutting a swathe through Africa. Many Zimbabweans and other Africans are likely to see as disproportionate the Vatican smothering of a powerful focus of opposition to Mugabe on account of an all too human failing - one that the Zimbabwe regime was bound to spot and exploit.

While this account misses some important distinctions, on the whole, it's not far from the truth. Clerical discipline is not universally observed in Africa, but I don't think that's a closely-kept secret even outside Africa. And we all hope and pray that it improves. Certainly there are amazing examples of fidelity and obedience in Africa as well. But those stories don't make headlines.

And this isn't the first time in human history that a person forfeited their ability to do good because of personal sin. The devil gives extra attention to those called to great things, and so we should pray for this man, and all individuals who face these struggles, especially priests and bishops.

A last word from Ncube:

"I think Christ would condemn the violence, widespread rape and torture by government agencies and the Mugabe-loyal youth militia," he said. "I don't think Christ would have survived in Zimbabwe. We're all being held to ransom by one despot. Mugabe's government doesn't like people who speak the truth. Plenty of people who criticise the government have died mysteriously. Christ wouldn't have had a chance."

But Christ was the sinless man who died for our sins, Ncube's included. We could all benefit from looking to the example of Christ whose witness to the truth was perfectly free from every hint of sin, Ncube included.

update: In the Light of the Law makes the technical point that the archbishop has admitted to violating his vows of continence, not (strictly-speaking) celibacy.

I would also add, reflecting on the story a bit more, that I am concerned about Ncube's ongoing problem with obedience to the Church. The circumstances of his interview with the reporter seemed to be contrary to the Vatican's wishes, for instance, and he seems to drop some hints that he does not intend to be silenced. Well, I hope as part of his penance he remains faithful to his vow of obedience.

Gay Episcopal bishop Robinson pouts about Lambeth snub

Associated Press:

The first openly gay Episcopal bishop announced he will have no official role in a meeting this summer of world Anglican leaders, saying restrictions that organizers wanted to place on his involvement had caused him "considerable pain."

Irony:

"I am dismayed and sickhearted that we can't sit around a table, as brothers and sisters in Christ, and study Scripture together," he said. "It makes me wonder, if we can't sit around a table and study the Bible together, what kind of Communion do we have and what are we trying to save?"

What kind of Communion do they have and are trying to save? Oh, maybe the communion called for in Lev 18:22, Lev 20:13, 1 Cor 6:9-10 and Rom 1:26-28, for a start start. It's hypocritical of him to accuse Lambeth of being uncharitable towards him when it is he who is condoning acts explicitly forbidded by God in scripture.

One thing I can agree with that Robinson said: "Pray for me. I will need that. A lot."

The UK Guardian, meanwhile, notes that Robinson will be at Lambeth although not participating in it, and 'planned to be available to anyone interested in "pursuing conversations that would include him'".

I blogged at-length here about the challenges facing the Anglican communion this year at Lambeth.

Report/Interview: Fidelity works against AIDS in Africa

In the fight against AIDS, abstinence-based programs that focus on changing behaviors rather than handing out condoms simply work better, says an AIDS expert.

Matthew Hanley has been a HIV/AIDS technical adviser at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for the last seven years and is the author of the forthcoming book "Avoiding Risk, Affirming Life: Science, Love, and AIDS."

In this interview with ZENIT, Hanley comments on the programs and principles that have led to dropping rates of HIV prevalence in Africa.

Remember, so-called "abstinence" programs are the most effective because they are actually "abstinence and fidelity" programs. The Church isn't saying to people "never have sex," it is saying, "Have sex, but in the right way (an exclusive marriage)." This messages preserves both human life and the dignity of humans.

Or you could employ the alternative approach - just throw condoms and contraceptives at the problem.

And yet, it's the Catholic Church that is constantly maligned for being "uncivilized." Good one!

The Latest on the Lambeth Conference Crisis

The Lambeth Conferences are the largest gatherings of anglican bishops, and are held only once every 10 years. The last conference held in 1998 hotly debated the issue of homosexuality in scripture. The fourteenth conference is schedule to take place this summer (July 16 - August 4).

But numerous conservative anglican bishops plan to boycott it.

CWNews reports:

The Anglican bishops of Uganda have announced that they will not take part in the Lambeth Conference, the worldwide meeting of the Anglican hierarchy that will take place at Canterbury in July.

Archbishop Henry Orombi said that the Ugandan bishops were joining their colleagues from Nigeria and Rwanda in a boycostt of this year's Lambeth Conference because of profound and unresolved disagreements with other Anglican leaders over the ordination of an openly homosexual American bishop. The installation of Bishop Gene Robinson in New Hampshire was an act of "flagrant disregard" for existing norms within the Anglican communion, he charged.

While this not may seem like a big deal to someone living in the West, the fact remains that Nigeria constitutions over 10% of the worldwide members in the Anglican communion (and growing). You can read the full text of the letter the Nigerian archbishop submitted to Lambeth here (scroll down). Note Paragraph 6:

"The Church of Uganda, by this decision, wishes to reaffirm our commitment to the resolutions of the 2006 Provincial Assembly and Resolution 1.10 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference, which, in substance, denounced homosexual practice and called upon the Church to remain faithful to the Holy Scriptures."

Guess which side I'm taking on this one.

The UK Times reports than Kenya and Rwanda are also expected to follow suit, as is Sydney, Australia. It seems to this (admittedly-uninformed) observer that the Anglican communion is crumbling in Africa, and at least one anglican bishop in the U.S. would energetically agree with that assesment. I'm sure there are others.

Those bishops who are not attending Lambeth this year are holding a "rival" conference in Israel this June (so, a month in advance of Lambeth), which is being called the "Global Anglican Future" Conference. This whole situation reminds me of the councils and anti-councils of the Christian middle-ages, and as I recall, those normally didn't help matters much in the short term.

The archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has been doing his best to hold Lambeth together. He has, for example, not invited Gene Robinson, the openly gay bishop of New Hampshire who was ordained in 2004. Well, this does not appear to have been enough, at least to the conservative African bishops.

"Pope concerned by pro-abortion campaigns in Africa"

Pope Benedict XVI on Monday urged African society to cherish Christian family life and marriage and expressed concern about some "agencies" that promoted abortion in the continent. "A key focus of unity in a community is the institution of marriage and family life, which the people of Africa hold in particular esteem," the pontiff told Kenyan priests during a meeting at the Vatican.

But he warned that "the ills besetting parts of African society, such as promiscuity, polygamy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, can be directly related to distorted notions of marriage and family life," Benedict said, according to a Vatican statement. - DPA

The article makes the point - and it seems sustainable to me - that the Pope's comments were prompted in-part by Amnesty International's continued defiance, as I blogged about earlier today.

Update: The major Catholic News Services have picked-up on the story:

• Pope decries international campaign for abortion - CWNews
• Defend marriage and family life at all costs, Benedict XVI tells Africans - CNA
• Abortion is never justified but women who repent should be welcomed, says Pope - Ansa.it

"Congo bishop survives gunfire" - CWNews

Thank God, but pray for his brother-in-law.

Archbishop Ncube Ntrouble - but what is the truth of the matter?

The VIS bulletin was terse and to-the-point:

"[Today the Holy Father:] Accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, presented by Archbishop Pius Alick Ncube, in accordance with canon 401 para. 2 of the Code of Canon Law."

The back story is long and complicated, but to summarize:

• Abp. Pius Ncube has been an outspoken critic of Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe (who, from all reports, is a corrupt dictator)
• President Mugabe has had his state-run media and secret service proliferate a vicious campaign accusing the Archbishop of having a sexual relationship with his secretary
• The President conducted an undercover operation that resulted in a video which purports to show the Archbishop having relations with his secretary (and other women as well)
• Abp. Ncube has denied the accusations, but has resigned to "protect the church." He will remain a bishop in Zimbabwe and continue opposing the president's activities.

I don't believe that the Archbishop's resignation proves that he is guilty, as the secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishop's conference pointed out to reporters. The Archbishop was not asked to resign [update: this detail is now contested - see bottom of the post], and he submitted his request back in July with the purpose of allowing himself more time to defend against the civil charges of adultery that he is facing from the government as well as a suit submitted by the husband of the woman with whom he is purported to have had an affair.

The Catholic Church is said to be conducting its own investigation, and that's what I'll be watching more than the (likely corrupt) civil suit. Efforts are also underway to examine the authenticity of the media which attempts to compromise the Archbishop (I don't envy those involved with that task).

It is also interesting to note that the Archbishop was charged with adultery almost immediately after he was quoted as saying that it would be morally justifiable to overthrow President Mugabe's regime [source]. If we want to talk about timing, that is rather noteworthy.

And I have to say that, in general, I'm very impressed by the Archbishop's words. If he is indeed guilty, this only makes the situation all the more tragic because he clearly seems to have an integrated understanding of his office and duties as an Archbishop - at least on paper.

The CNS coverage of this issue is extremely well-done and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read more of the archbishop's position, as well as learn more about the background of the controversy.

Finally, Rocco reports:

Ncube's resignation is the second indicator in a week of a concerted shift in the Holy See's Zimbabwe policy.

Little noticed when it dropped eight days ago, Benedict transferred the nuncio to Harare, Archbishop Edward Adams, to Manila as the papal representative to the Philippines.

Other sources:

• Sep 12: Zimbabwe Archbishop Resigns (New York Times)
• Sep 12: Pope lets critic of Mugabe quit after sex video (UK Gaurdian ... unfair headline)
• Sep 11: Archbishop Pius Ncube resigns amidst allegations of adultery (CNA)
• Sep 11: Zimbabwe's Archbishop Ncube resigns under fire (CWNews)
• Sep 11: Pope Accepts Zimbabwean Prelate's Resignation (Zenit)
• Sep 11: Ncube to resign, reports anticipate (CathNews)
• Aug 31: Zimbabwe's bishops rally behind accused archbishop (CNA)
• Aug 31: Zimbabwe bishops rally behind accused prelate (CWNews)
• Aug 28: Lawyers for Archbishop Ncube ask for detailed charges (CWNews)
• Aug 23: Zimbabwe government launches new charges against Archbishop Ncube (CWNews)

Update: John Allen reports: "Ncube yesterday told Corriere della Sera, Italy’s leading newspaper, that he would “never admit” that the photos are authentic. Ncube also said that he would not have resigned on his own, but did so in obedience to a request from Benedict XVI." The AFP reports along similar lines.

Update 2: CWNews, in turn, disputes that the Holy See asked for the resignation:

A spokesman for the bishops' conference of Zimbabwe told the Catholic News Service that Archbishop Ncube had submitted his resignation freely, denying that the Vatican had pressed him to resign. However he also said that the archbishop's resignation was "not expected." Ncube had earlier told reporters that he had offered to resign in July, when newspapers in the nation's capital first ran stories on the adultery charges.