Rowland Jide Macaulay

House Of Rainbow Fellowship Declares P.U.S.H

2011-12-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

House Of Rainbow Fellowship Declares P.U.S.H, to stamp out anti-gay bill. If everything else fails we believe in the power of prayer. We must stay on our knees and travail daily in our prayers. PUSH - PRAY UNTIL SOMETHING HAPPENS. “Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of God the Father in my name, God the Father will give it to you...Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete”. www.houseofrainbow.org

Contact Us:
House Of Rainbow Fellowship Email: church@houseofrainbow.org
Web Page: www.houseofrainbow.org
Phone: +44 (0) 7507 510 357
Find House Of Rainbow on Facebook/Twitter/Youtube/Blackberry pin 2680405D
Skype & Yahoo ID; revjide

We have groups in Lagos, Ibadan & Minna in Nigeria, London & Manchester UK, Accra Ghana, Gitega Burundi and Maseru Lesotho.

I AM GAY NOT HOW I BECAME GAY

2011-08-03T02:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Energetic and Beloved people, I have followed the stories of How I became gay on a a dedicated yahoogroup and I am most impressed with many of the stories, I want to make a correction, it is not HOW I BECAME GAY but I AM GAY.

For me I have always been gay and I never became gay, i became aware of my same sex attraction whilst living in Nigeria at the age of seven, boys flirt with each other unknowing all the time and it was at this stage that I was more aware of my emotional, physical, mental and sexual attraction to boys, I was 14 when I had my first sex with a guy, it was filled with curiousity, passion, embarassment and guilt as will with any heterosexual having sex for the first time.

By this age I have become a youth leader at church and have spent time reading the bible including discovering chapters that "condemned" homosexuality. Imagine the furore of my life? Now I have to be discrete, secretive and live a lie. Looking back in my life it never stopped my same sex attractions.

Fast forward thirty years, I am now fully confident that being gay is my natural being and i regretted ever trying to be straight, I regretted that I did not get the education and appropriate spiritual development to be a gay man, I can understand that and that is why I am determined that the short life I may live in this world I trust God for the development of inclusive Christian education to enable the freedom of the mind, body, soul and spirit.

For many people that know me, such as John Adewoye, a great friend and brother, and many who have read the account of my life journey, there are no surprises that we still face challenges because of who we are.

Recently, my father asked me to proved that homosexuality is genetics, I just looked at him and pointed to myself, "ME" you made me, you gave birth to a homosexual, boy he was anxious to know more, so I asked him to prove to me that God is real, not that I dont know but if we were to play "doubting Thomas", lets lay all the cards out.

My homosexuality is real, I am gay and I did not become gay, just like I am black and i did not become black. This is a great way to move forward in life and let the world know that they may hate us but God Adores Us.

House Of Rainbow Fellowship is an inclusive Christian community, that welcomes all people and does not discrmininate against LGBTI people (of faith or no faith). I am proud that the Holy Spirit has led me to start this group, (nearly five years) we are growing with passion and relevance and it is my hope that we would be able to advance the learning and inclusion of all people.

I love myself and it is my daily prayer and hope that millions of LGBTI people around the world, their friends and families will come to understand and love them.

Afteral we never ask them when did they become heterosexual?

More love more power

Jide Macaulay

.

Nigeria's gay church is reborn amid a climate of fear

2011-04-25T03:12:00.000-07:00

Nigeria's gay church is reborn amid a climate of fear

House of Rainbow church offers underground prayer and preaching to Christians ostracised by rampant homophobia
Shyamantha Asokan in Lagos
guardian.co.uk, Sunday 24 April 2011 19.57 BST
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/24/gay-nigerians-church-services-secret

When Ade's aunt learned he was gay, the then 16-year-old Nigerian was made to go through an exorcism to expel "the demon of homosexuality".

"The priest came to the house with candles, holy water and anointing oils. I had to kneel down, holding candles in my hands," recalls Ade, now 25, as he sits in a cafe in Lagos. He does not wish to reveal his full name. "He kept shouting 'Come out! Come out! Come out!' in a fevered voice … I was allowed to go back to church after that but I had to pretend to be straight."

In a country where homosexuality is punishable by up to 14 years in prison, it is no surprise that many of Ade's friends – those who, like him, are both gay and religious – stay away from church altogether for fear of being outed.

However, an alternative could soon be at hand. Ade is helping to resurrect a religious refuge for himself and his friends. He is part of the team restarting House of Rainbow, the country's only gay church, which was forced to close in 2008 after a witch-hunt stirred by exposés in local newspapers.

The Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay, the gay minister who founded the church, is leading the comeback even though he remains in self-imposed exile in London.

"Religion is a backbone to life in Nigeria, so we all want to go to church," he says. "But we don't want to lie to God about who we are."

Macaulay first set up House of Rainbow in 2006, when he openly held Sunday services in a Lagos hotel hall decked out with rainbow flags. A public backlash culminated in members being beaten as they left church. Macaulay fled to the UK after death threats.

This year, he has recruited a small team that includes Ade as his local leader in Lagos. In his voluntary role, Ade started holding prayer sessions and Bible study groups at his house at the end of last month. A full church might be set up again if it is considered safe.

The project could even spread beyond the borders of Africa's most populous country. Macaulay has recently recruited a local leader in Accra, the capital of nearby Ghana. He is considering applications from Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Religious groups are central to Nigeria's culture of homophobia. Pentecostalism, an evangelical school of Christianity thought to have started in America just over a century ago, has blossomed in southern Nigeria and across Africa in recent decades. The "megachurches" in and around Lagos can attract tens of thousands of worshippers to a single service.

Pentecostal pastors often see gay desire as the work of demons. "You might start casually but, once you get into it, you will be possessed by the spirit," says Emmanuel Owoyemi, a pastor in Lagos.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria's mostly Muslim north, 12 states have adopted sharia law over the last decade. Gay sex carries the death penalty under sharia, although no executions have yet taken place. A national anti-gay marriage bill, which pushes for jail sentences for anyone who even assists gay marriage, has been before Nigeria's parliament since 2009.

Being gay is regarded as an offence across much of Africa. Uganda's parliament continues to debate a proposed law that would introduce the death penalty in some cases. Malawi's president only pardoned a gay couple last year sentenced to 14 years in jail after an international outcry.

Apart from being on the wrong side of the law, many homosexual Nigerians say exclusion from church is one of the hardest parts of being gay.

"We are brought up to believe that you should belong to a religion. We feel that, if we don't go to church, God will not answer our prayers," says a young gay man in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. "When I recently told a friend I was having financial difficulties, he said, 'When did you last go to church?'"

In oil-rich Nigeria, where corruption robs many of even basic services, religious groups provide more than spiritual assistance. Muslim movements such as Izala have built schools in the north, while southern pentecostal groups such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God run universities. "[We] lose out on all these services," says the young man.

Some argue that African homophobia is slowly waning. Marc Epprecht, an expert on sexuality in Africa at Queen's University in Canada, says the continent's growing number of gay rights groups are challenging negative stereotypes.

He adds that despite the bad press it attracts, African homophobia is not markedly stronger than that of poor or patriarchal parts of the Middle East and South America.

Macaulay, however, is not taking any chances this time. Prayer sessions are being held in secret locations. No unknown newcomers are being admitted. He continues to preach via YouTube from London – he thinks it would be unwise to return home. "We have learnt our lesson," he says. "It is a hostile situation."

ZAch Wahls Speaks About Family

2011-02-02T12:31:00.001-08:00

House Of Rainbow Fellowship mourns David Kato.

2011-01-29T02:07:00.001-08:00

House Of Rainbow Fellowship mourns David Kato.

The death of David Kato has sent a wave of shock throughout the human rights communities, many African LGBT people and allies are in deep mourning. The blood of an innocent man cries from the grave, his death is a result of unimaginable hatred, how those expected to protect us now defend and justify hatred of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender people to the point of death.

Micah 6:8 “...O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

David Kato was a human rights defender and he spoke fiercely against the injustices towards LGBT people in Africa and especially in Uganda, he was fearless in challenging the government and the Ugandan media for their imbalance report, discriminations and views of gay people. He spoke out and stood up for justice until his last breath.

David Kato will be remembered and not forgotten for his perseverance, tenacity, determination in the face of evil. He was truly an African man, proud not just to be gay but as a citizen of Africa.

David Kato refused to live in fear of his death, but he committed himself to the works of fairness and justice for all. We believe that David Kato’s killers will be judged by God, those who peddle hatred do so out of unjust fear.

Whilst African governments and religious leaders deny the existence of LGBT people, it is obvious that such hatred and homophobia cannot be denied.

It our hopes that as a people of Africa, we would in our togetherness condemn injustices, discriminations and deep rooted hatred towards all minorities and marginalised people.

Finally, we pray, may the soul of David Kato rest in peace, you remain in our hearts and memories.

God, remember not only the men and women of goodwill but all those of ill will. Do not only remember all the suffering they have subjected us to. Remember the fruits of our solidarities and campaigns, our comradeship, loyalty, humility, courage, generosity and the greatness of heart that all will be inspired. Amen

Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay
On Behalf of House Of Rainbow Fellowship
www.houseofrainbow.org
Tel: +442085583485, +447507510357

The Ineffable Love of God for LGBT People

2011-01-24T04:23:00.000-08:00

HOUSE OF RAINBOW FELLOWSHIP
Presents Prayer and Praise evenings with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for ALL people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise.

Theme: The Ineffable Love of God

LOCATIONS
LONDON UK: Friday 4th February 2011, 6.30-8pm (and then on the first Friday each month)
Foster Hall, Wellesley Road, Off Boundary Road London E17 8QX

MANCHESTER UK: Wednesday 9th FEBRUARY 2011, @6.30pm (then 23rd March)
The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF

LAGOS NIGERIA: Call +2348052567170 for details

Contact details for House Of Rainbow Fellowship;
Nigeria: +2348052567170
UK: +442085583485 or +447507510357
Email: church@houseofrainbow.org
Webpage: www.houseofrainbow.org
HouseOfRainbow: Facebook/Twitter/Youtube

My Daddy said - "Happy New Year to My Lovely Gay Son".

2011-01-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

My Daddy said - "Happy New Year to My Lovely Gay Son".
A postponed visit to Nigeria after several years of estrangement took place a few weeks ago, I want to share this experience with my new found friends. I came out as gay in 1994 after a troubled heterosexual life, my "Coming Out" was a devastation merged with so many religious bashing, I was hated, called an abomination etc. When my family found out I was gay, many of my siblings Stopped speaking with me, my mother was the only one who comforted me and acted natural, when my father got to know it was three years of hell and then I realised that I could lose him, I concluded that if my earthly father can react with such hatred what would my Heavenly father do?, afteral I believed that I am wonderfully made and created in the image of God. My only answer was prayer and more prayers. Many people at House Of Rainbow in Nigeria (and a few more outside Nigeria) have met my dad and he is a wonderful typical Yoruba man, in 2008 he was caught unaware in the Nigerian media frenzy that nearly crippled his reputation but not his love and relation with his son, while the headlines read Hatred, his heart was filled with Love. 2011 started with a difference when on the 2nd Jan we went out to Victoria Island for lunch, the peaceful drive provided a great scenery of Lagos. As we sat at lunch and enjoyed each other company. He suddenly said I am pleased that I am having lunch with my gay son, I almost fell out of my chair. I believe many people need to hear this as we struggle with our relationships, especially with parents and families, if we are not loved at home, we can never find that love abroad, I want as many to hold on and be strong, being gay or lesbian is least understood in Nigeria and by Nigerians, one day those who reject us will celebrate and respect us. Jide

2011 - House Of Rainbow’s Year of Rewards and Compensations.

2011-01-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

2011 - House Of Rainbow’s Year of Rewards and Compensations.

In 2008 as many people may recount, House Of Rainbow and myself ran into serious trouble with the Nigerian media, it was indeed our annus horribilis. Many of our members were displaced, some fired from their jobs and evicted from their homes, many where disowned by their families, my home in Isolo was badly vandalised and looted of every valuable items. These were not reported by the callous minded editors of the Nigerian press. As far as they are concerned they have achieved the unachievable. What we did after that was to pick ourselves up, shake off the dust of intolerance and begin the rather tedious journey of rebuilding our ministry, we set up online support and started to network within the country, across religious groups and people. We also worked with many safe house projects to protect vulnerable people. Now we are stronger in 2011, we are building alliances with civil society and other groups, we are present on facebook with nearly 2000 friends, Private interactive forum for devotion and prayers with over 600 members, Youtube, twitter and our own webpage, we are reaching thousands of people in Nigeria and the rest of Africa, UK, USA and elsewhere, than we ever did in the time we were in Nigeria alone. We are proud of the many resilient men and women, supporters of House Of Rainbow abroad and especially those in Nigeria.

2011 we are determined to do more, create more Voluntary Local Leaders, expand on our theologies, increase the attendance and spiritual upliftment of our members, friends and alliances in Nigeria, Ghana, UK, USA, and elsewhere, reconstitute new groups and Fellowships across UK, Nigeria and around Africa, groups of people willing to Praise and Worship God, just as they are. We are asking you good people to consider supporting House Of Rainbow Fellowship.

TEN WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT HOUSE OF RAINBOW FELLOWSHIP
1) Become a friend/member, 2) Say regular prayers for us, 3) Worship with us in London and Manchester 4) Join our online networks, facebook/twitter/youtube, 5) Tell others about and or invite them to House of Rainbow, 6) Become a Local Leader for House Of Rainbow, 7) visit us at www.houseofrainbow.org 8) Call/SMS on +447507510357, 9) Skype us @ Revjide, 10) Donate generously.

2011 @ House Of Rainbow Fellowship

2010-12-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

2011 @ House Of Rainbow Fellowship

Friday 4th February 2011, 6.30pm London
(and then on the first Friday of the month)

House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a monthly Prayer and Praise evening in London on the first Fridays of the month, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise.

• House Of Rainbow Fellowship also meets on Wednesday 9th February 2011 in Manchester (further dates and activities to be confirmed)

About House Of Rainbow Fellowship

House Of Rainbow Fellowship is an inclusive and affirming religious community open and welcome to all people including Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people, a monthly gathering of “People of Faith” for “Prayer and Praise”, which focuses on the person’s journey towards reconciliation of sexuality and spirituality.

House Of Rainbow Fellowship aim to provide an inclusive Christian theological focus and interpretation of Scriptures.

The vision of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship was birthed by Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay, an openly gay African theologian. The style of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship is Pentecostal with “High Praise”, Prayers and Christian fellowship.

All are welcomed including;
• Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people (LGBTI)
• Parents and Friends of LGBTI people

Other important tools and resources:

Websites:
www.houseofrainbow.org
www.rjmm.co.uk
www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org
www.youtube.com/houseofrainbow

Recommended Books:
Holy Bible
Pocket Devotional for LGBT Christians by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay
The Children Are Free by Revd Jeff Miner & John Connolly
The Queer Bible Commentary Edited by Guest, Goss, West & Bohache
The Queer God by Marcella Althaus-Reid
Indecent Theology by Marcella Althaus-Reid
Take Back The Word Edited by Goss & West
Biblical Ethics & Homosexuality Edited by Robert L. Brawley
In the Eye of the Storm by Gene Robinson

Contact Us:
House Of Rainbow Fellowship &
Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay Ministries

Email: church@houseofrainbow.org
Phone: +442085583485; +44 (0) 7507 510 357
Find House Of Rainbow on Facebook/Twitter/Youtube
Skype & Yahoo ID; revjide

Information About Local Leaders

2010-12-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

Information About Local Leaders

Volunteer Local Leaders Needed.

Are you Called to be a Local Leader? House Of Rainbow needs you.

Are you a devout Christian?
Do you believe in the inclusive Gospel of Jesus for All people?
Are you able to manage a small group of people?
Are you passionate about helping people?
Can you provide pastoral care?
Are you aged 18 and over?

If you say YES to all the above questions, then contact us for more information at Church@houseofrainbow.org

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Please read these notes carefully before you complete the application form.

• Thank you for expressing interest in a post within House Of Rainbow Fellowship.
• These notes are intended to help you understand the role of Local Leaders. Please read them carefully before you complete and sign the form.
• See below details of the role and responsibilities of Local Leaders. These describe your role and what your position will involve and what we need from the person who is appointed.
• We are inviting you to give us information that will allow us to assess how closely you meet the requirements of Local Leadership. You may draw on all aspects of your life: education, employment, voluntary work, church, interests, and home life, for example.
• There is no education and training, experience, special knowledge and skills, or special qualities and attributes requirements except that we ask for the applicant to be passionate and willing to submit to the authority of the leadership of House Of Rainbow Fellowship Council.
• Please answer all the questions in each section.
• Our policy on references is that we cannot accept references from relatives or members of the family. At least one referee must be from a reputable organisation or member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI) community.
• Only electronic applications are acceptable. Please scan your signatures for the form.
• We look forward to receiving your application. There are no deadlines for application.

For more Information BY EMAIL ONLY to:

House Of Rainbow Fellowship
e-mail: church@houseofrainbow.org
Telephone: +442085583485
Mobile: +447507510357

HOUSE OF RAINBOW FELLOWSHIP POLICY ON THE RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF VOLUNTARY LOCAL LEADERS.

Background
House Of Rainbow Fellowship Local Leader is a voluntary role without any stipend.

The development of Local Leaders is one of the objectives of House Of Rainbow Fellowship, this way we are able to meet the needs of marginalise Christians and or people of faith seeking an alternative safe space to join in corporate prayers, praise, devotion, discussions and bible study.

House Of Rainbow Fellowship Local Leaders initiative is about building a people of power and raising a people of praise

About House Of Rainbow Fellowship
House Of Rainbow Fellowship is an inclusive and affirming religious community open and welcome to all people including Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people, a monthly gathering of “People of Faith” for “Prayer and Praise”, which focuses on the person’s journey towards reconciliation of sexuality and spirituality.

House Of Rainbow Fellowship aim to provide an inclusive Christian theological focus and interpretation of Scriptures.

The vision of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship was birthed by Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay, an openly gay African theologian. The style of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship is Pentecostal with “High Praise”, Prayers and Christian fellowship.

House of Rainbow Fellowship is not exclusively for LGBTI people, all are welcome, we are not afraid to say that we are reaching out with a primary mission to the marginalised communities within the faith communities.

All are welcomed including;
• Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people (LGBTI)
• Parents and Friends of LGBTI people

Vision of House Of Rainbow Fellowship
House Of Rainbow Fellowship vision is to transform the Christian theology towards inclusion, Biblical teaching, interpretation and understanding that alienates and or discriminates, create a safe space and place for LGBTI people to meet and be celebrated by employing and engaging the ministries of theologians and academics.

Who are Voluntary Local leaders?
Local Leaders must be a practising Christian, they are people who are nominated, self nominated, appointed, selected for leadership etc.

Local Leaders must be aged 18 and over at the time of application.

Local Leaders can be a person of any age, race, background, gender and or sexual orientation. All we ask is that they are grounded in the understanding of inclusive gospel and Christian faith.

They will be responsible for leading prayers, devotion and reaching out to Christians including LGBTI people in the local area.

The group will consist of as little as 4 people and no maximum limits. We encourage a continuous development of smaller groups to avoid hostility in the case of a group getting too large.

They will be encouraged and supported by House Of Rainbow Fellowship Council.

Roles and Responsibilities of Local Leaders.
Local Leaders will organise the monthly meetings of House Of Rainbow Fellowship they will have the responsibility to advertise the time and location and also contact details for those that will attend.

They will take initiative and responsibility for security and safety of the meeting space.

Would at all times maintain integrity, discipline, loyalty and honesty in leadership.

Provide pastoral care to all members.

Teaching and discussion materials for the monthly group will be provided by House Of Rainbow Fellowship. This materials will include video aids, online links, devotional booklets and appropriate books will be supplied free of charge to the members.

Local Leaders will also have the responsibility of building a resource library for their members.

Local leaders will represent and share the information about the work of House Of Rainbow Fellowship locally.

Role of House Of Rainbow Fellowship
Provide support for Local Leaders and keep them informed and up to date of the overall fellowship mandate.

This condition of Voluntary service is not exhaustive and subject to periodic review in consultation with the Local Leader.

Offer technical support to Local Leaders in the implementation of Local Group and provide 6 - 12 monthly review of the Local group, leadership and pastoral care.

A letter of Appointment will be issue to appointed Local Leader only.

Procedure
• A decision to reject an applicant because of, or partly because of inadequate information and insufficient reference, in such situation will may defer the applicant application pending further information.
• Generally, an applicant who is rejected will be advised of the reasons.
• An applicant who is rejected will not have a right of appeal.
• Where an individual is accepted by the House Of Rainbow Fellowship Council, and subsequently it becomes evident that the individual failed to disclose relevant information, the matter will be treated as a disciplinary issue and may result in dismissal.

World AIDS Day 2010 Message from House Of Rainbow

2010-12-01T01:24:00.001-08:00

House OF Rainbow Fellowship World AIDS Day 2010 Message.

In John 9:2-4, Jesus was asked why the man was born blind. “Jesus answered, neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.”

We might ask that why are so many millions of people infected or affected with HIV and AIDS, I want you to know that this disease is nothing more than a global tragedy. It is not the will of God that any should suffer.

At House Of Rainbow we take care and time to pray and remember those afflicted by this disease, we pray with them, we touch them with our love and we know that they will always be our brothers and sisters.

HIV has affected all persons from infants to grannies, people of all race, creed, culture and gender, rich and poor nations are engulfed. The world is affected at large.

We suffer with those who suffer and our continuous deepest compassion goes to people and families who have lost their dearest to this disease.

World AIDS Day is a time to remember, acknowledge and celebrate the lives of the departed, may their soul rest in peace. Respect, dignity and prayers for long lives for those who are living with HIV and AIDS. This is a time that we can all acknowledge that the love of God for all people is far more important that the prejudice, stigma and discrimination attached to HIV and AIDS.

As we gather here in our community and all over the world in remembrance and contemplation of World AIDS Day, we pray that God will lead the finding and discovery of a cure. God will guide policy makers, the pharmaceutical and health care officials as they strive to find the best approach, medicinal cure and standard of care. Amen.

Volunteer Local Leaders Needed

2010-11-07T05:16:00.001-08:00

Volunteer Local Leaders Needed.
Are you Called to be a Local Leader? House Of Rainbow needs you.

Are you a devout Christian?
Do you believe in the inclusive Gospel of Jesus for All people?
Are you able to manage a small group of people?
Are you passionate about helping people?
Can you provide pastoral care?
Are you aged 18 and over?

If you say YES to all the above questions, then contact us for more information at Church@houseofrainbow.org

Contact:

House Of Rainbow Fellowship London &
Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay Ministries
Phone +44 (0) 2085583485, +44 (0) 7507 510 357
Email: Church@houseofrainbow.org
Skype & Yahoo ID; revjide
Facebook & Twitter: HouseOfRainbow

ONLINE Ministries
Video Messages; www.youtube.com/houseofrainbow
Web; www.rjmm.co.uk
Web; www.houseofrainbow.org
Web; www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/

Because Jesus lives I can face tomorrow

2010-11-02T01:13:00.000-07:00

I am so emotional this morning, when I think about all the pain that we are put through, those who feel that killing themselves because they are gays and lesbians is the answer, it is just too much. And also for those who feel empowered to endnager our lives for who we are, killing us is not the answer.

I believe that rather than bow to the pressure and prejudice against a minority group we should take time to pray for the people. I am so sad today, I am in so much pain I am in tears. I am praying to God to help us to deal with all the bigotry and prejudice against Black Gay people and to end the hatred from within the community.

Many African LGBT people at home and abroad are in fear of being killed, I am one of them. My life has been threatened, but I know that "Because Jesus lives I can face tomorrow".

House Of Rainbow 2010 Dates for your Diary

2010-10-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

About House Of Rainbow Fellowship
House Of Rainbow Fellowship is an inclusive and affirming religious community open and welcome to all people including Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people, a monthly gathering of “People of Faith” for “Prayer and Praise”, which focuses on the person’s journey towards reconciliation of sexuality and spirituality.

House Of Rainbow Fellowship aim to provide an inclusive Christian theological focus and interpretation of Scriptures.

The vision of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship was birthed by Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay, an openly gay African theologian. The style of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship is Pentecostal with “High Praise”, Prayers and Christian fellowship.

All are welcomed including;
• Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex people (LGBTI)
• Parents and Friends of LGBTI people

Other important tools and resources:

Websites:www.houseofrainbow.org
www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org
www.youtube.com/houseofrainbow

Recommended Books:Holy Bible
The Children Are Free by Revd Jeff Miner & John Connolly
Pocket Devotional for LGBT Christians by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay
The Queer Bible Commentary Edited by Guest, Goss, West & Bohache
The Queer God by Marcella Althaus-Reid
Indecent Theology by Marcella Althaus-Reid
Take Back The Word Edited by Goss & West
Biblical Ethics & Homosexuality Edited by Robert L. Brawley
In the Eye of the Storm by Gene Robinson

Contact:Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay
Email: church@houseofrainbow.org
Phone: +442085583485, +44 (0) 7507 510 357

Thursday 4th November 2010, 6.30pm LondonHouse Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a monthly Prayer and Praise evening in London on the first Thursday of the month, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. www.houseofrainbow.org. For info Call/text +442085583485, +447507510357 email: church@houseofrainbow.org

2010 Dates for your diary:
• Metropolitan Community Church East London 7th Nov @5.30pm
• Manchester Fellowship 17th Nov, 6.30pm
• Sao Paulo Brazil 1-11 Dec, Daily.
• London Fellowship 2nd Dec, 6.30pm.
• Christmas Party by INVITATION ONLY 18th December.

House of Rainbow Fellowship is the place for you. You are welcomed to send your prayer request to us at church@houseofrainbow.org or join our online forum at www.houseofrainbow.org. Wherever we assemble, you can attend our FREE monthly “Prayer and Praise” sessions, refreshments will be served. For more information and details, please contact us or visit our blog www.houseofrainbow.org
Preacher at MCC East London on Sunday 7th Nov 2010, 5.30pmRevd Jide Macaulay will be preaching at MCC East London, join us at the inclusive church, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are. www.houseofrainbow.org. For info Call/text +442085583485, +447507510357 email: church@houseofrainbow.org

House Of Rainbow Fellowship, goes to ManchesterWednesday 17th November 2010, 6.30pm
House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a monthly Prayer and Praise evening in Manchester, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. www.houseofrainbow.org. For info Call/text +442085583485, +447507510357 email: church@houseofrainbow.org

House Of Rainbow Fellowship, goes to BRAZIL1st to 11th December 2010, Sao Paulo Brazil.
Times and Locations to be announced.
House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a “Daily Prayer and Praise” Sao Paulo Brazil, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. www.houseofrainbow.org. For info Call/text +442085583485, +447507510357 email: church@houseofrainbow.org

Gay Muslims & Gay Christians Celebrate London Gay Pride 2010

2010-10-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

Gay Muslim Pav and Christian leader Revd Jide share a celebratory message to encourage Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Trans and Intersex people at London's Black Gay Pride 2010, a show of solidarity between faith communities. There were over 1,000 people at the event. Introduced by fame Actor Cyril Nri.

Increase Our Faith And Respect For Each Other.

2010-10-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

Increase Our Faith And Respect For Each Other.
By Rowland Jide Macaulay @ Metropolitan Community Church East London
3rd October 2010

Introduction
The Gospel reading Luke 17:5-6 set the tone for the message today, increase our Faith.

5 The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ 6The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a* mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you”.

How do we increase our faith and respect for each other? Let me leave that question there in your heart and come back to this later.

In the UK the month of October is dedicated to Black History Month celebrated every year. The aims are to promote knowledge of Black History and experience, disseminate information about culture and history of the Black people. There is no doubt that Black people have made many contributions worth celebrating, but we must be mindful of the few Black people who are also causing havoc. What I know is that we all, regardless of race and gender can make a difference in this world. We can increase our faith and respect by standing up against ALL that is evil and unjust.

We may ask what has this got to do with the sermon today, we may ask what has this got to do with my salvation, faith and respect. It has so much to do with it, because our history needed to change from the history of victims to victors, from fear to favour, enslavement to empowerment. There is so much our community need to learn from the Black History. We have often found parallels with the “struggle and fight against racism” with “the struggle and fight against homophobia and transphobia”.

Black History month cannot be complete without Queer or LGBT History, Black History cannot be complete with ALL people’s history, the history of the oppressed cannot be complete without the oppressor, no one speaks about slaves or slavery without the slave masters.

When Habakkuk said, O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? It sends a message that is recognisable from the Black community who were enslaved because of their blackness to the gay community who are ostracised because of who they are, from London to Lagos, New York to Kampala.

When I examined the Habakkuk Oracle, this is what I found, a strange and endearing similarity between the Black people’s struggle and the LGBTI people’s struggles.

We asked the same questions and face the same issues over all these years, from Biblical times to 21st century days. I don’t have all the answers but I am hoping that my sermon today can lead all of us to some answers.

Let me share five points with you today.

1) O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not listen? Or cry to you Violence!’ and you will not save?

What Black History month did for us is to teach us the way to face our struggles as a people, first it was about racial discrimination, but now it is discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, I cannot believe that any religious body will be a part of the hate campaign, I would have thought that the Religious communities will be at the centre of healing, reconciliation and welcoming for all people, but I was wrong,

Brothers and sisters, Cry no more, because your salvation has come. The answer for me and for you is in Colossians 3:9-11, which says Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices 10and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. 11In that renewal* there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!

2) Why do you make me see wrongdoing and look at trouble?

We are faced daily with wrongdoings and we steer trouble in the face daily. LGBTI people all over the world live in fear every day. Many times when we step out to help others and speak against injustices, we become the problem, in many societies people who are seen as “Human Right Defenders” are often those who look at trouble in the face. What are we doing today to save guard the future of our community?

I received a message from the LGBT centre in New York, which reads “Our Hearts are heavy” the back drop to the message is that six teenage gay and lesbian children have in the last few weeks and months committed suicide because they were bullied for who they are, we need to face wrongdoing, not just for our sake but for the future LGBT generation. I am angry at the fact that there is continued renewal of hate not just towards us but also within us. We are not sharing the message wide enough, we are not raising the bar of LGBT role modelling, the message of love and inclusion is lapsing, we need to create a climate where young LGBT people can be free and be themselves, children should be playing not harming themselves or driven to such harm by bullies.

3) Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise.

There is no doubt that there will be some destruction and violence, there will be strife and contention, people will disagree with us, our theology will not be the favourite one to listen to or to handle, it was the same with the Black theologians, there were opposition. Queer theology is scary for many, because not everyone fits into the same shoe, we seldom sing from the same song sheet. Christianity is a price to pay, it is radical and we have to take the message out there for many millions who not just hate us but for those who might just be saved. Rev Troy D Perry’s Coming Out as a Gay Christian leader in the 1960s saved millions of LGBT people, we also need to do our part. Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr and many other Black theologians in history have played their part in the emancipation of Black people and Black theology. Reverend Solomon S. Seay, former head of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in the United States of America and also a civil rights campaigner alongside Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr, said following a fight for equal rights for African American during the Montgomery bus boycotts “If a person doesn’t want to sit beside me because I am dirty, that is my fault. If a person doesn’t want to sit beside me because I am loud, that is my fault too, but if the person doesn’t want to sit beside me because I am black, that is not my fault because God made me black” I dare to add to this note that “If a person doesn’t want to sit beside us because we are Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transsexuals and Intersex people, then we need to know that it is not our fault, God made us Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Intersex people”
It is time for us to increase our faith, action and respect and do something we have never done before. Save a life, save our own lives.

4) So the law becomes slack and justice never prevails.

The laws are too slow to recognise the discrimination, the interventions are bureaucratic, policy makers makes endless promises, but we can make a difference, that is why we have voices, we can speak out, write articles, consider joining a campaign for what is right, I am sure that when people started the discussion about ending slavery, it certainly did not start amongst Black people, because largely they were not responsible for the big ship and the voyage, but I believe that people in our history both Black and White made this happen.

Many days of my life, I was victimised on the grounds of sexual orientation, with faith I have risen to a place where I not only celebrate who I am, Child of the living God, but also work with others, on the journey to reconcile, I have stood in many places challenging governments to change discriminatory laws against LGBT people, from Cameroon to Comoros, Iran to Iraq, Kuwait to Qatar, Guinea to Lesotho.

When we teach, let us speak out against injustice, because if we don’t we only prolong the pain of future generation. I say today that I do the things I do today, not because I see the benefits for me, but I do them because I dream of the benefits for future generations, I want history to record that at least I tried. Brothers and sisters, what will be in your legacy?

5) The wicked surround the righteous— therefore judgement comes forth perverted.

The wicked people are very very powerful, they will suppress the truth. We spend too much time in accusation, when people in politics and religion stand up, to uphold discrimination, my heart bleeds, when the proposals were drawn to end slavery there was violence, there was an attempt to pervert justice. The same is happening today in our world, we must not seat back and allow people Religious or not to judge us for who we are, the Bible says in Jeremiah, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; Isaiah confirmed “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who by myself spread out the earth.”

Many millions of people are threatened by the actions of the ignorant few, families are scattered, there is a surge in suicidal tendencies and the health of the people declined.

I take refuge in the word of God, I am not stubborn, but I refuse to allow the negativity of these ignorant actions to get through my heart, mind and skin. It is not an easy place to be, however, when people ask me where in the scriptures does it say that God loves or indeed creates homosexual, I want to let you know that the Bible points to more verses of inclusion than exclusion. God is responsible for LGBTI people and it is only God that can love us as we too are the original imprint of God’s love and never a secondary group of people.

Hebrew 11:1-3, Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2Indeed, by faith* our ancestors received approval. 3By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.*

What are we hoping for? a world that will accept us and not kill or dehumanise LGBT people. Even though we have not seen justice we must begin to celebrate the freedom and liberation, just like our ancestors. If we believe by faith that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, then we must begin to live and love who we are, even though we may be invisible to the other inhabitants.

Conclusion
Let me conclude with Paul’s letter to Timothy, which says I am grateful to God—whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did—when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. 5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. 6For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; 7for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. 8 Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, 9who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace.

I recognise that calling in you today, I recognise that calling in Michael Jackson who has gone before us. Black History month is about our ancestors, the joy, the liberation, the pain, the injustices, we must today bring a change to the world we live in. Michael Jackson in one of his many revolutionary songs sang about healing the world, make it a better place.

There's A Place In Your Heart
And I Know That It Is Love
And This Place Could
Be Much Brighter Than Tomorrow
And If You Really Try
You'll Find There's No Need To Cry
In This Place You'll Feel
There's No Hurt Or Sorrow

Heal The World
Make It A Better Place
For You And For Me
And The Entire Human Race
There Are People Dying
If You Care Enough For The Living
Make A Better Place
For You And For Me

In order to increase our faith we need to step out of the shadow of fear and work against all the injustices, we need to be comfortable with who we are, not what people want us to be or say we are. The gospel reading is a response that we can do anything if we have faith. The Lord replied, ‘If you had faith the size of a* mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea”, and it would obey you.

As we seek reconciliation we would be empowered knowing that God’s love was given to us when we were formed in our mother’s womb, and this is how we increase our faith and respect for each other.

God bless you. God bless our universe, Amen.

House Of Rainbow Fellowship Prayer and Praise 7th October 2010.

2010-09-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

Thursday 7th October 2010, 6.30pm House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a monthly Prayer and Praise evening in London on the first Thursday of the month, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. www.houseofrainbow.org For info Call/text +447507510357 email: church@houseofrainbow.org

2010 Dates for your diary: 4th November, 2nd December

UPR Kenya United Nations Human Right Council Geneva

2010-09-23T02:10:00.001-07:00

15th Session of the Human Rights Council
Item 6: Universal Periodic Review – Statement by
Action Canada for Population and Development (ACPD)

Mr. President,

ACPD with Minority Women in Action, the Coalition of African Lesbians and Pan Africa ILGA, wishes to stress the following points in relation to the Universal Periodic Review of Kenya:

We welcome the State’s support on various recommendations including the promise to review national laws to fully uphold the principle of non-discrimination, eradicate the use of torture and ill-treatment by public officials and take effective measures to safeguard the work of human rights defenders. We also recall the State’s ratification of various international and regional human rights instruments including the protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the rights of women in Africa.

However, we express disappointment that the Kenyan government has rejected recommendations to take measures to provide for the protection and equal treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. The criminalization of consensual same-sex conduct encoded in Sections 162 and 165 of the Penal Code fuels stigma, discrimination and violence against sexual minorities. Human rights are universal, inalienable and inherent. These principles apply to all citizens of Kenya including lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex Kenyans.

The importance of human rights was emphasized by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in a high-level panel at the current session of the Human Rights Council who said:

“No doubt deeply rooted cultural sensitivities can be aroused when we talk about sexual orientation. Social attitudes run deep and take time to change. But cultural considerations should not stand in the way of basic human rights.”

LGBTI Kenyans are repeatedly discriminated against and continue to face threats and violence as well as torture, ill-treatment and harassment at the hands of public authorities simply because of who we are and who we love. We regret the silence of the State in the face of these violations, such as in the highly publicized attach on 12 February, 2010 in Mtwapa targeting homosexual individuals that saw organized physical violence, life threats and hate speech.

In this dawn of a new constitutional dispensation, we urge the State of Kenya to seize this moment and respect, protect and fulfill the rights of all Kenyans including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. Our rights, the rights of LGBTI people, are human rights.

Thank you.

UPR Lesotho United Nations Human Right Council Geneva

2010-09-22T02:52:00.001-07:00

UPR: Lesotho
Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva. 21st September 2010.

Presented by Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr. President, distinguished members of the delegation,

I am pleased to make this statement on behalf of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Pan-Africa ILGA.

We wish to address recommendations 98, paragraphs 2, 4 and 5, issues of serious concern raised in the Working Group report on Lesotho. These recommendations call for the amendment of the penal code provisions which criminalize consensual sexual activity between persons of the same sex, to ensure that no one is punished under these laws.

Criminalization of consensual same sex activity constitutes a violation of established international human rights law and undermines public health initiatives.

Just last Friday, in a high-level panel held in conjunction with the current session of the Human Rights Council, Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu called for an end to criminal laws against homosexuality. He noted that South Africa included sexual orientation in its new post-apartheid Constitition, stating that “we knew, from our bitter experience that an injury to one is an injury to all.”

These calls were echoed last week by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who underlined:

“Laws criminalizing people on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity violate the principle of non-discrimination. They also fuel violence, help to legitimize homophobia and contribute to a climate of hate. No doubt deeply rooted cultural sensitivities can be aroused when we talk about sexual orientation. Social attitudes run deep and take time to change. But cultural considerations should not stand in the way of basic human rights.”

We were therefore disappointed that Lesotho did not accept these recommendations. The UN Human Rights Committee has noted that laws criminalizing homosexuality “run counter to the implementation of effective education programmes in respect of HIV/AIDS prevention” by driving marginalized communities underground, a finding supported by UNAIDS and other key actors in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

We therefore urge the government of Lesotho to reconsider Recommendations 98.2, 4 and 5, and take action to bring its legislation into conformity with internatiponal standards, by repealing legislation which criminalizes same-sex conduct between consenting adults.

Thank you Mr. President.

UPR Guinea United Nations Human Right Council Geneva

2010-09-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

UPR: Guinea
Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network & Pan-Africa ILGA
United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva. 21st September 2010

Presented by Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr. President, distinguished members of the delegation,

I am pleased to make this statement on behalf of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Pan-Africa ILGA. In the recent UPR of Guinea, stakeholders submitted reports recommending that Guinea decriminalize sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex, noting that under Article 325 of the 1998 Penal Code same-sex activity between consenting adults is criminalised.

We urge Guinea to give serious consideration to these recommendations. Criminalization of consensual same-sex conduct constitutes a violation of established international human rights law and a major blow to public health.

Just last Friday, in a high-level panel held in conjunction with the current session of the Human Rights Council, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon delivered a statement, saying:

“Laws criminalizing people on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity violate the principle of non-discrimination. They also fuel violence, help to legitimize homophobia and contribute to a climate of hate. That is why in May of this year during a visit to Malawi, I called for such laws to be reformed worldwide. No doubt deeply rooted cultural sensitivities can be aroused when we talk about sexual orientation. Social attitudes run deep and take time to change. But cultural considerations should not stand in the way of basic human rights”

These concerns have also been raised by the UN Human Rights Committee, which has noted that laws criminalizing homosexuality “run counter to the implementation of effective education programmes in respect of HIV/AIDS prevention” by driving marginalized communities underground, a finding supported by UNAIDS and other key actors in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

We appreciate the government of Guinea’s understanding and therefore urge the government to ensure compliance with international standards by:

• Repealing article 325 of the 1998 Penal Code, which criminalizes same sex activity between consenting adults.
• Promoting policies which ensure equality of access to public health services by all marginalised populations.

Thank you Mr. President.

Five Days To Go: House Of Rainbow FORUM is Moving

2010-09-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Dearly Beloved Friends,

Five Days To Go: House Of Rainbow FORUM is Moving

I trust all is well with you, I am extremely delighted and thankful to God for this webpage. However, we shall be moving the forum to another service provider who has kindly donated the space to us free of charge.

We would move on or before the 18th September, we would continue to keep you up to date with further instructions.

We are also on;

Facebook: HouseOfRainbow

Twitter: HouseOfRainbow

Youtube: HouseOfRainbow

Email: church@houseofrainbow.org

Webpage: www.houseofrainbow.org

Telephone: +44 (0) 208 558 3485

Mobile: +44 (0)7507 510 357

More love more power

Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay

10 Days To Go: House Of Rainbow FORUM is Moving

2010-09-07T08:05:00.001-07:00

10 Days To Go: House Of Rainbow http://spiritualityandsexuality.ning.com/ FORUM is Moving. I trust all is well with you, I am extremely delighted and thankful to God for this webpage. However, we shall be moving the forum to another service provider. We would move on or before the 18th September, we would continue to keep you up to date with further instructions. We are also on; Facebook/Twitter/Youtube: HouseOfRainbow. Email: church@houseofrainbow.org, Web: www.houseofrainbow.org, Phone: +44 (0)7507 510 357

Hatred In the Name Of Jesus

2010-09-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

HATRED IN THE NAME OF JESUS.

Dear Friends, I try so much not to blog the hatred I get daily in my email and also posted on all our webpages, I am posting this one below because I need your prayers for strength and endurance.

bbenjam1050 has posted a comment on your profile:

JIDE YOU ARE DEVIL INCARNATED!! YOU ARE BLASPHAMY THE NAME OF MY GOD JESUS AND YOU DONT DESERVE TO LIVE. BUT TO STONE YOU UNTIL YOU DIE A VERY PAINFUL DEATH FOR LEADING PEOPLE ASTRY AND FOR BLASPEMY AGAINST THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISSAC AND JACOB. THE CREATOR OF UNIVERSE AND EARTH.

JerryTatum posted a comment:

Not only are you going to Hell, but your taking other with you, with your teaching .that is your greatest sin .I turn you over to Satan for the destruction of your flesh ,that your soul might be save.repent now

I am a living testimony of the love of God and if anything could be of any asssurance is the Bible Reading in the Christian Lectionary today Luke 14:26 ‘Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. 27Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple"

I stand by God with my Homosexuality and I believe that I am guaranteed a place in Heaven with Jesus and all the saints before me.

The Principle of Reconciliation for me and many Homosexual Children of the living God is enshrined in Scripture.

Please read.

A)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people,* in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

B)

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit* of life in Christ Jesus has set you* free from the law of sin and of death.

C) In that renewal* there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all!

What the Religious Haters are doing is Selective Discrimination out of ignorance and the greatest understanding of the ineffable love of God for ALL his children, Jesus said to the Pharisees after their action to discriminated against a blind man. Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, 'Do you believe in the Son of Man?'* 36He answered, 'And who is he, sir?* Tell me, so that I may believe in him.' 37Jesus said to him, 'You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.' 38He said, 'Lord,* I believe.' And he worshipped him. 39Jesus said, 'I came into this world for judgement so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.' 40Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, 'Surely we are not blind, are we?' 41Jesus said to them, 'If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, "We see", your sin remains.

I leave them with their conscience, I am not at all worried. I repented when I accepted God into my life because He approves of my humanity including my Homosexuality. This is my TESTIMONY.

PROJECT: An opportunity to Broadcast on Radio

2010-08-31T10:48:00.001-07:00

There is an opportunity to Broadcast on Radio in the UK and I am looking for people with ideas so we can collaborate. A community Radio has airtime to award and it will be a great opportunity to start "Gay Africa Radio".

Aim

Broadcast LGBT issues on the airwaves as they affect LGBTI people of Africa descent in the UK and also highlight many activities and news from around the world related to Africans, at home and abroad.

What are we looking for at this stage?

People with incredible ideas, you do not need to be an expert in broadcasting.

Topical issues connecting/relating to Homosexuality in Africa and for LGBTI people of African Descent abroad.

If you are interest or want to be part of the project, it doesnt matter where you are as we can work electronically, please contact me on +44208558 3485 or +447507510357.

regards

Rowland Jide Macaulay

House Of Rainbow is Four Years Old

2010-08-30T11:15:00.001-07:00

House Of Rainbow was founded by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay, a Christian community welcoming and affirming to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex people in Nigeria. A Bible believing ministry that also welcome people of other faith. Webpage www.houseofrainbow.org, www.twitter.com/houseofrainbow, www.facebook.com/houseofrainbow, email us at church@houseofrainbow.org, +447507510357

RJMM.CO.UK - Update

2010-08-23T02:29:00.001-07:00

RE: RJMM.CO.UK

"Our business is a consultancy, service provision on education and support of Human Rights affecting Sexual Minority of African Descent. We have a great understanding of the politics of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Africa with a background of 15 years collective experience in this field".

I am writing to you to inform you of our products and services and would welcome further collaborations with you and your organisation. For your conveniences I have listed the products and services of RJMM.CO.UK below.

We would appreciate if you will;

1.Browse our webpage at www.rjmm.co.uk
2.Let us know how we can be of service to you
3.What products or services you are interested in
4.Call or email to arrange a time to discuss your requirements.

Products and Services

■Expert Advisor and Researcher on Sexuality and Immigration
■Training and Information on Human Rights and Activism, Sexual Health & Rights
■General Consultation on LGBTI Human Rights
■NGO representative at the United Nations Human Rights Council
■Country Specific Report and Analysis on Sexual Minority
■Motivational Speaker/Panellist
■Conference leader/Project Management
■Liberal Theologian/Preacher
■TV/Radio Participation/Expert contributor
■Human Rights Activist, Author and Publisher
■Workshop & Seminar Manager
■Radio Production/Presenter

(First Consultation and Enquiries are free)

Many Regards

Rowland Jide Macaulay

ConsultantRJMM.CO.UKTelephone: +44 (0) 2085583485,

Mobile: +44 (0) 7507 510 357

Email: info@rjmm.co.uk

House Of Rainbow Online

2010-08-09T03:29:00.000-07:00

Dearly Beloved Friends,

Re; http://spiritualityandsexuality.ning.com/

Very soon this forum and online page will close as the owners have decided to add a subscription for its use. We have enjoyed the forum for nearly two years and generated 100s of videos and discussion, we have prayed together, shared devotion, raise many issues.

There are currently 575 members and growing.

We are working to moving our information and sharing page to http://www.houseofrainbow.org, please make a note of this for to be able to connect with us in future.

More Grace More Power

Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay
House Of Rainbow Fellowship London
+44 (0) 2085583485, +44 (0) 7507 510 357

House Of Rainbow Metropolitan Community Church, Lagos Nigeria
+234 1 741 0978, +234 (0)805 241 7256
+234 (0) 805 256 7170 Nigeria

Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay Ministries
Skype & Yahoo ID; revjide
http://www.facebook.com/RowlandJideMacaulay
Alternative email; revjide@yahoo.com

ONLINE Ministries
Video Messages; www.youtube.com/houseofrainbow
Web; www.rjmm.co.uk
Web; www.houseofrainbow.org
Web; www.mccchurch.org
Web; http://www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/

House Of Rainbow Fellowship London AUGUST 2010

2010-07-31T14:24:00.001-07:00

House Of Rainbow Fellowship Prayer and Praise August 2010.

Thursday 5th August 2010, 6.30pm
House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a monthly Prayer and Praise evening in London on the first Thursday of the month 5th August, from 6.30pm to 8pm, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. www.houseofrainbow.org For info Call/text +447507510357, email: church@houseofrainbow.org

Video: Africa's Last Taboo: must see documentary now on YouTube

2010-07-28T05:54:00.000-07:00

Video: Africa's Last Taboo: must see documentary now on YouTube
By Paul Canning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyEFfL9GbRw

Dispatches is UK TV channel Channel 4’s highly successful, sometimes controversial pioneering documentary series that critically covers a vast range of topics and areas.

In a recent episode entitled ‘Africa’s Last Taboo’, Sierra Leonean filmmaker and reporter Sorious Samura traveled across Africa.

In Mtwapa, Kenya, the scene of an attempted pogrom of gays which followed false reports of a 'gay wedding' earlier this year (see our reports), he begins to discover the levels of hate and prejudice that are driven not only by communities, but also religious organisations and governments, and meets some of the young men who have suffered because they are gay.

"They would have burned him alive." "Because he's gay?" "Because he's gay," he is told.

Amazingly Samura asks some of those who participated in the pogrom, "if I was to say to you now I was gay, what would have happened?"

A local Imam and bishop confirm to him that gays should be killed.

The man dragged from the HIV clinic in Mtwapa, Kenya, HIV/Aids clinic - in pictures which went around the world - tells Samura that he had been warned by police that he would be killed.

He says he lives in fear. His mother supports him but his father does not.

Another Kenyan gay man tells says Samura of how he was attacked and had paraffin poured on him.

I heard someone shouting "put a fire on him".
To those who did this he said:

I cannot say anything to him. I think we have no rights, gays have no freedom.
Samura tracks down a riot leader caught on video who says if it is his brother who is gay or "my son, I will burn him."

In an interview with an HIV+ gay male sex worker, who is raising his young sister in a hovel, the common belief of his often married clients is that anal sex is less risky than vaginal sex.

This attack on a clinic providing HIV-focussed services, including to gay men, highlights how same-sex transmission is often treated, or more usually ignored, in much of Africa. "Many [gay men] are dying needlessly", says Samura.

Unfortunately Samura does not report on the follow up work which civil rights groups did following the attempted pogrom. This work shows that such homophobia can be countered by well supported grass-roots work.

Mbale in Uganda, host of a large anti-gay rally in April, is where Fred Wasukira and his then partner Brian were arrested and were held in custody. Samura conducts an astonishing interview with the local police about how they were caught and this results in the policeman interviewed pontificating on the 'use of the anus'. He speaks to the doctor who examined them to prove they'd had sex. The doctor agrees that in doing this he was violating their human rights.

Samura interviews Fred, now in Kampala and staying with his sister. She say that customers in her restaurant have threatened to desert her because of her support for her brother: "they don't want him to touch plates, our drinks or anything."

At a bar in Kampala where gays are accepted and can "queenie around" Samura meets a man who a gay activist has had a crush on. Told by the man that "I've already says no", Samura asks "You're not going to give up?"

The activist, Gerard, tells him about his life in Uganda: "it's about being abused every day."

He attends a Christian rally where Lou Engle, notorious American anti-gay activist, is in attendance alongside numerous white Americans. The Ugandan pastor says that the disavowal by US evangelicals of Uganda's 'kill the gays' bill is 'just for the media'.

Samura confronts the pastor with a former worker for his church who is gay (it's Gerard, the gay activist). He dismisses him saying "homosexuality is a Western colonisation."

After a pointless hour's discussion, where the pastor says tells him he should be imprisoned, Gerard says:

Whether they like it or not, we exist. Whether the laws are here or not, we shall be here.
In Malawi he asks human rights activist Dunker Kamba outside the trial of Stephen Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga about the idea that homosexuality is 'un-Africa'. Says Kamba, how come we have a traditional word for a homosexual from before the British colonialists imposed a law?

Samura visits Tiwonge in prison and comes away moved and shocked. He speaks with gay men, who are disguised, in Malawi. "Everybody's afraid, we are living undrground", he is told.

Malawi's our home. Where we are supposed to live? But it seems as if we are somewhere where it is not our home.

We want to be free.
He visits Tiwonge after his release. Tiwonge says when the pardon was announced that the other inmates "lifted me up in the air. They were dancing, some were crying."

Asked about his challenge to Malawi's attitude to gays Tiwonge says:

Everyone is born free. Freedom is for everyone and should not be limited.

I cannot change. I won't change. I'll be this way until I die.

Samura wrote for Channel Four about his experiences making Africa's Last Taboo and the prevailing attitude towards sexuality in Africa.

According to an old African proverb, or should I say according to conventional wisdom, 'a child doesn't just get up and walk, it will first of all learn to crawl' – and the same goes for every race on earth.

There's a lot of talk in the Western media and even classrooms today about sexual attitudes but in Africa we still find the word 'sex' extremely difficult to mention, let alone discuss. Even now as a full grown man with my own children, I cannot talk about sex, or menstruation or even childbirth with my old man because to him all these are taboos, and he gets really angry whenever I try to.

There are a lot of things my dad and his mates would not entertain, but the one thing that makes them go mad even today is when somebody tries to talk to them about gay and lesbians. 'They are devils, evil bastards or nasty animals not fit to be amongst human beings'. These are just some of the words my father and his friends would use to describe gay people and this was exactly how my friends and I, and millions more across Africa, were brought up to view homosexuals.

Somehow we used to be a bit tolerant towards girls, because it was always rumoured that girls in boarding homes tend to have sex with each other, but we always concluded that this was something they would outgrow.

I was one of those who would tease and provoke you until you broke if we suspected you had gay tendencies. We would perhaps set you up to fight with girls we believed could beat you up – and once you lost that fight we would then start giving you all sorts of female names – but that was as far as it would go. We just had no way to talk about it to our parents, even when found two boys having sex, or dressing or behaving like girls. We would simply refer to them as dirty.

But we never even knew the word 'homosexual' existed. For me and for most of my friends, the word 'gay' or 'homosexual' only made it into our vocabularies when we were in our mid or late teens.

So it was a real challenge for me personally to make this film. It was really tough to confront some of the men who were now standing up against gay men in my continent because I knew exactly where they were coming from and what they would think about me – and it wasn't long before respectable men like Bishop Oyet in Uganda started questioning my sexuality. I spent a lot more time off camera answering questions about my sexuality than I spent interviewing some of the characters in the film.

We found out in some of these countries we filmed that, on top of coping with the rejection by their communities, it was pressure from religious leaders that has made it more difficult for gay and lesbians to come out about their sexuality in Africa – and not only African religious leaders either. We found American Christian preachers who had come over to help their African brethren in their fight against homosexuality. We also found out that not only has this homophobia led to a lack of sexual education but it also plays a significant role in the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Africa.

There is no doubt that this topic is clearly one of the last few taboos that still remains in Africa. As the Western world was some 30 years ago, the people of Africa are still on a journey of understanding, learning to crawl before they can walk.
The documentary can be viewed on Youtube.

What Is Happening About Town?

2010-07-22T01:17:00.001-07:00

What is happening about town?

• Thursday 22nd July 3 to 4pm I will be at Voice for Africa Radio Station 94.3fm doing a Live Interview, this will be broadcast in to the London Area. Tune in.
• Saturday 24th July- 11am to 4pm Volunteers Open day at the Rukus Federation, this is a Black LGBT archiving event at Kairos in Soho. You can arrive anytime. FREE entry
• Saturday 24th July 6pm Nigerian film “The Fake Prophet” by Teco Benson, cost from £10. You can see the trailer at - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBfZQqTh2Fw, Call ticket hotline 0845 313 8391
• Sunday 25th July , St Barnabas Anglican church is having a special service at 10am followed by a BBQ, all are welcomed, St Barnabas Road London E17, FREE entry
• Saturday 31st July Quiz night 6.30pm at the Stoke Newington Methodist Church, if you are interested we can form a team for House Of Rainbow and or just enjoy the event. £10 per person
• Saturday 31st July from 10pm/midnight, The Victoria Bar Party, one of the local night clubs in Walthamstow, 186 Hoe Street London E17, £5 before midnight.
• Tuesday 3rd Aug, 6 to 10.30pm I will be on a Panel discussion at a national event in Bethnal Green organised by Big UP. FREE entry
• Thursday 5th Aug is the next House Of Rainbow Fellowship at 6.30-8pm, tagged Sing, Clap and Dance in East London, FREE entry
• Saturday 7th Aug is the Gay Pride in Brighton
• Saturday 14th Aug is the UK Black Gay Pride in London. I have been asked to lead a workshop and I am hoping to get tickets for the group. Talk soon and have a great day. visit website: www.ukblackpride.org.uk/ or email us on: info@ukblackpride.org.uk

For more information please call +44(0)7507510357 or visit www.houseofrainbow.org

UK Supreme Court upholds LGBT Asylum seekers

2010-07-17T07:24:00.001-07:00

UK Supreme Court upholds LGBT Asylum seekers must not be sent back to countries with risk to their lives.

The Justice for Gay Africans [JfGA] Society heartily welcomes the ruling by the Supreme Court that gay men and women should not be sent ‘back to live discretely’ in countries with homophobic laws.

This ruling is a landmark and goes a long way to ensure that LGBTI people have a fair hearing when seeking safety in the UK from perceived or known persecution in their home country. As the Home Secretary has welcomed this ruling, implementation should be immediate and loopholes checked against as recent researches, like the 'No Going Back' by the Stonewall highlighted a high level of ignorance, disbelief & sheer hatred by immigration staff who handle these cases.

From many indications, it is disheartening to see and know that many ordinary individuals do not know nor understand this grave wickedness carried out by their government through an immigration system riddled with staff who show no humane compassion towards vulnerable people who run here for safety from persecution and forceful lifestyle.

“This is great news. It is consoling to know that someone really cares and recognises the dangers of asking people to ‘go back [to homophobic countries] and live discretely’ hence living a lie for the rest of their lives. The discretion test case confirms that majority of people of this country [UK] are compassionate and understands that ‘living discretely’ contravenes the idea of freedom by all ramifications. We now hope that the government will implement this recommendation sincerely and that other countries bound by the 1951 Convention will follow this excellent judgement”, says Godwyns Onwuchekwa of JfGA.

We have a strong belief in the coalition government to make good this opportunity to improve the image of the UK as a country with respect and support for human dignity and liberty.

NOTE FOR EDITORS (Please circulate amongst your contacts)

Justice for Gay Africans Society (JfGA) is a pressure group based in London and founded by LGBT people of Black and African origin. Our mission is to use civil approaches to bring a change of attitude in black and African people in UK, Africa and other black countries where homosexuality is criminalised and homophobia is rife. We also aim to keep the insecure and inhuman state of treatment of LGBT people in these countries on the top of agenda of the international communities.

For more information, please visit www.jfga.org.uk or email info@jfga.org.uk

Godwyns Onwuchekwa

BBC Radio World Service with Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay

2010-07-07T08:18:00.001-07:00

"A BBC Radio World Service Interview with Rev Jide

Click Here to listen http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p008grqh "

Broadcasts
Wed 7 Jul 201012:32BBC World Service.Wed 7 Jul 201016:32BBC World Service.Thu 8 Jul 201000:32BBC World Service.Thu 8 Jul 201004:32BBC World Service.Sat 10 Jul 201005:32BBC World Service.Sat 10 Jul 201020:05BBC World Service.Sun 11 Jul 201002:05BBC World Service.Sun 11 Jul 201011:32BBC World Service.Sun 11 Jul 201023:05BBC World Service

Jide Macaulay was born into a devout Pentecostal Christian family in Lagos, Nigeria. His father is a well-known theologian.

As a child, Jide loved church more than playing with his friends.

But around the age of 11, he began to become aware that he was different from other boys.

Much to his horror, he realised that he was gay.

In conversation with Michael Ford, Jide recalls the inner conflicts he went through as a teenager and a young man, in a country where it is almost inconceivable that anyone can be both a committed Christian and homosexual.

We hear how he learnt to embrace his orientation after a failed marriage.

Leaving behind the deep shame he had felt, he founded a church for gay and lesbian people in Lagos: the House of Rainbow.

Driven out of the country by death threats, Jide now continues his ministry to African gay and lesbian Christians from his home in London, through a vibrant "virtual" church. He has become a well-known voice in Africa and beyond.

OPEN LETTER TO HOMOPHOBES - THE TRUTH

2010-07-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

Open Letter to Homophobes.

Far too many people play God and dehumanize Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Trans, and Intersex people throughout the world, in every culture, race, background etc.

The discrimination is so bad that it leaves many LGBTI people wondering and asking questions. This letter to Homophobes is being reproduced to answer many questions people have asked me.

Both heterosexuals and homosexual people, People of all faith have claimed that homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstance.

The following is an open letter to all Homophobes...(I also pray and hope that gay people will learn that they are children of the living God.)

Dear Homophobes,

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your bigoted rhetoric, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, they are clobbered with Leviticus 18:22 which clearly state it to be an abomination...End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.

1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighbouring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odour for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problems are my neighbours. They claim the odour is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

5. I have a neighbour who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2. Clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?

6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?

7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?

8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?

9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

The Other Child of the living God.

Press Release:Pan Africa ILGA Publishes Gay Map

2010-07-03T02:19:00.000-07:00

Press Release: Pan Africa ILGA publishes Gay Map.

38 countries still criminalize same-sex relationships between consenting adults in Africa, four with death penalty.

The map was launched together with the 4th edition of the State-Sponsored Homophobia published by ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. The report is a collection of legislation criminalising consensual sexual acts between persons of the same sex in private over the age of consent*. Maps are available in French, English, Portuguese and Spanish. http://ilga.org/ilga/en/article/1161

ILGA is a world-wide network of national and local groups, with more than 700 member organizations from every continent and representing 110 countries, dedicated to achieving equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people, wants to name and shame the States which at the end of the first decade of the 21st century still treat their LGBTI citizens like lesser persons, unworthy of consideration. The unworthiness rests entirely on these States, for theirs is the shame of depriving a significant number of their citizens of dignity, respect and the enjoyment of equal rights.

*Laws relating to such acts in public, with under aged persons, by force or by any other reason are not included. Nor does it include countries where such acts are legal.

Linda RM Baumann, Co-Secretary General, Pan-Africa ILGA
Thirty-eight countries in Africa have laws criminalizing homosexuality, some with death penalty, and many more with harsh jail sentences. By far, it’s the continent with the worst laws on the books when it comes to homosexuality and other sexual minorities, a phenomenon which is in part rooted in bad colonial-era laws and political situations, religious autonomy, strong negative belief in cultural and family values, and the evil of patriarchy.”

Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay, Co-Secretary General, Pan-Africa ILGA
“The struggle against HIV/AIDS is also undermined by criminalization of same sex relationship. The Human Rights Committee has noted that laws criminalizing homosexuality “run counter to the implementation of effective education programmes in respect of HIV/AIDS prevention” by driving marginalized communities underground. Some homosexuals respond to stigmatization by moving away from their countries, communities, families; others build supportive networks outside their communities; while others struggle to keep it a secret by pretending to be heterosexual”

Pan-Africa ILGA is the African region of ILGA. Pan-Africa ILGA counts with 64 members groups in the region.

For more information on State Sponsored Homophobia and legislations affecting LGBTI people, ILGA and Pan-Africa ILGA activities around the world and at the United Nations, please contact:

Steave Nemande, Regional Coordinator for Pan Africa ILGA:

steavenemande@ilga.org

Ten Ways You Can Follow House Of Rainbow

2010-06-30T03:15:00.001-07:00

Ten Ways you can follow House Of Rainbow;

1) Join or Start a local group,
2) Email your prayers to us at church@houseofrainbow.org,
3) Visit our web site www.houseofrainbow.org,
4) Join our e-forum http://spiritualityandsexuality.ning.com/
5) Watch video messages, www.youtube.com/houseofrainbow,
6) Twitter and Facebook - HouseOfRainbow,
7) Chat on Yahoo/Skype; REVJIDE
8) Call/SMS +447507510357l
9) Prayer & Helpline +442085583485
10) Monthly Prayer and Praise fellowship.

Why Do Christians Discriminate?

2010-06-26T10:53:00.001-07:00

Why do Christian Discriminate? If you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can be sure you are a Christian. You are not a Christian because you go to church, or because you do good things. The Bible says "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9). Christ came to die for our sins, so that "To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12) visit www.houseofrainbow.org God Bless.

US Sec of State Hillary R Clinton Celebrates LGBT Pride 2010

2010-06-23T02:45:00.001-07:00

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivers opening remarks at an event celebrating LGBT Pride Month at the Department of State in Washington, DC June 22, 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x66HWNjMPmQ, honor to the struggles of African LGBT Activists.

BBC Radio World Service with Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay

2010-06-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

BBC Radio World Service with Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay

Heart and Soul series on the

“Spiritual Dynamics of Fame, Blame, and Shame”

Date: Wednesday 7th July 2010 @ 12:32 and 16:32.

In subsequent weeks, the same pattern is repeated for the programmes

Thursday 0032; 0532;
Saturday 0532; 2005;
Sunday 0205; 1132; 1132; 2305.

How to listen On the radio:
It's easy to listen to the BBC World Service in the UK if you have a DAB radio or TV digibox, both of which carry the World Service. For details on how and when best to listen elsewhere in the world, please use the following link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmeguide/

On the Internet:
If you have a PC with loudspeakers, another good way to listen in the UK or anywhere else in the world is via the Internet. This is the relevant link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/2009/03/000000_heartandsoul.shtml You can listen to each programme there from around lunchtime on the Wednesday it starts its run. You can listen in your own time, or download your programme as a free podcast during the week following the first transmission. If you miss that date, you can still listen via our online archive using the link above (click on "Listen to previous episodes").

Contact: Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay
Email: Church@houseofrainbow.org
YouTube/Twitter/Facebook: HouseOfRainbow
Phone: +442085583485, +447507510357
Web: www.houseofrainbow.org

Exporting Hate to Africa

2010-06-19T01:15:00.000-07:00

Exporting Hate to Africa Part 1.

Exporting Hate to Africa Part 2.

Your Questions about Homosexuality Discussed at Church

2010-06-15T00:57:00.000-07:00

House Of Rainbow Fellowship London Answers your Questions

"ADVANCE NOTICE: Thursday 1st July 2010, 6.30pm House Of Rainbow Fellowship London, Monthly Prayer and Praise. If you have any question, "What the Bible says about Homosexuality", please send to Church@houseofrainbow.org for consideration. Next month we are going to have an interactive and Holy Spirit filled meeting, come and be a part of what God is doing in our lives. Come along and Please pass on the invitation."

Speaker; Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay
Location; London
Time/Date; 6:30pm 1st July 2010
Phone:+447507510357

UPR Gambia

2010-06-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

UPR: Gambia
Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva. 11th June 2010.

Presented by Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr. President, distinguished members of the delegation,

An issue of serious concern raised during the UPR of Gambia relates to the criminalization of consensual same-sex conduct under article 144 of the 1965 Criminal Code, punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

We are deeply concerned that Gambia did not accept the recommendations of Chile, the United States, the UK, Argentina and others to repeal these provisions, which are a violation of established international human rights law and a major threat to public health.

Arbitrary arrests have been reported pursuant to this provision, and stakeholders expressed concern at public statements by the Gambian President threatening homosexuals with expulsion from the country or beheading.

The UN Human Rights Committee has confirmed that criminalization of consensual same-sex conduct violates the rights to privacy and non-discrimination, contrary to articles 17(1) and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and runs counter to the implementation of effective education programmes in respect of HIV/AIDS prevention by driving marginalised communities underground, a position also supported by UNAIDS.

• We urge the Government of Gambia to reconsider and accept the recommendations to repeal provisions which criminalise sexual activity between consenting adults, and ensure that no-one is arrested or detained pursuant to these provisions.

• We further recommend that violence directed against any person, including because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, be vigorously prosecuted, and that incitement to violence on these grounds be condemned.

• Finally, we recommend that training be provided to police, judicial and other authorities to promote respect for all persons, including on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Thank you very much Mr President.

UPR Egypt

2010-06-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

UPR: Egypt
Acton Canada for Population and Development &
International Lesbian and Gay Association (European Region)
United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva. 11th June 2010.

Presented by Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr. President, distinguished members of the delegation,

An issue of serious concern, reflected in recommendations 5, 7 and 8 of paragraph 97 of the Working Group relates to the importance of ensuring that national legislation is not misapplied to intimidate or criminalise individuals because of their actual or presumed sexual orientation, gender identity or HIV status.

UNAIDS and other key actors in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic recognizes that criminalization of consensual same-sex conduct or HIV status has a negative impact on the spread of the virus, and UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon recently called for the repeal of laws against consensual same-sex conduct.

We note that the Committee against Torture, several Special Procedures, and NGOs including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have expressed concern at persons arrested and charged with the “habitual practice of debauchery”, which has been applied to criminalise sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex.

These reports also indicate instances in which detainees have been subject to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, including in some cases being chained to hospital beds and being subjected to forcible anal examinations without consent.

According to the Compilation of UN Information, Egypt has responded that any such prosecutions or verdicts are not related to the defendants’ sexuality, sexual orientation or HIV status. We therefore urge Egypt to confirm that the “habitual practice of debauchery” provision is not to be interpreted or applied to criminalise any individual on the basis of his or her actual or presumed HIV status or sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex.

We further recommend that no other provision in Egyptian law be interpreted or applied to criminalise such activity, and that steps be taken to ensure that no-one is detained, incarcerated or mistreated because of actual or presumed HIV status or consensual adult same-sex conduct.

Finally we urge Egypt to implement education and training of police, prison, medical and other authorities to help ensure that no-one is subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment on these grounds.

UPR Iraq

2010-06-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

UPR: Iraq
Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva. 11th June 2010.

Presented by Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr. President, distinguished members of the delegation,

We commend Iraq’s acceptance of recommendations 73 & 74 of paragraph 81 of the Working Group report, in which Iraq commits to take measures to end extrajusdicial killings of persons based on their sexual orientation.

We would ask what steps specifically the Government plans to take to fulfil these commitments and end these killings?

UNAMI reports a number of assassinations of homosexuals in Iraq, many of which are unreported by family members for fear of further abuse. Stakeholders have also documented widespread extrajudicial killings of persons on the basis of their actual or presumed sexual orientation. Many men assumed to be gay have been mutilated and their bodies dumped in the streets, while others have been forced to flee Iraq after receiving death threats.

We recommend that legislative steps be taken to protect persons from hate crimes on grounds including sexual orientation and gender identity, and that such crimes be vigorously investigated and prosecuted, with appropriate support provided to victims and their families. We further recommend that public education programs on these grounds be developed, and that sensitivity training be provided to police, judicial and other authorities to promote respect for all persons, including on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.

While we welcome the government’s commitment to take action on these matters, we are dismayed by the rejection of recommendations 23,24,25 & 26 in pargraph 83, which call on the government to investigate all allegations of persecution based on sexual orientation and gender identity and ensure that the authours of violence are brought to justice. As UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon recently stated “We cannot stay quiet when people are denied fundamental rights, whatever their race or faith or age or gender or sexual orientation”.

The killings will not end as long as the Government turns a blind eye to violence and persecution, and fails in its international responsibility to investigate and prosecute those responsible.

UPR Angola

2010-06-10T07:34:00.001-07:00

UPR: Angola
International Lesbian and Gay Association (European Region)
United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva. 10th June 2010.

Presented by Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr. President, distinguished members of the delegation,

We wish to address recommendations 98 and 99, issues of serious concern raised in the Working Group report on Angola. This provision calls for the amendment of the penal code and other discriminatory laws that may affect Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender citizens of Angola and also measures to decriminalize consensual sexual activity among person of the same sex, to ensure that no one is punished under these laws.

Recommendations 98 & 99 is unrelated to marriage in general. Criminalisation of same sex is a violation of established international human rights law and a major blow to public health. It raises serious issues of discrimination and jeopardises the important struggle against HIV/AIDS. The Human Rights Committee has noted that laws criminalising homosexuality “run counter to the implementation of effective education programmes in respect of HIV/AIDS prevention” by driving marginalised communities underground, a finding supported by UNAIDS and other key actors in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

In Toonen v Australia 1994, the UN Human Rights Committee has confirmed that laws against consensual same-sex conduct violate the rights to both privacy and non-discrimination, contrary to articles 17(1) and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in a recent statement, said “We cannot stay quiet when people are denied fundamental rights, whatever their race or faith or age or gender or sexual orientation. It is unfortunate that laws that criminalise people on the basis of their sexual orientation exist in some countries. They should be reformed.”.

We urge the government of Angola to:

• urgently repeal discriminatory laws, in particular articles 70 and 71 of the Penal Code and legally reinforce security for LGBTI people and the full protection of human rights for LGBT people.
• address underlying stereotypes and discrimination through education programs and community dialogue, to help create a more supportive environment for LGBTI persons.
• promote media training, explicitly designed to discourage attitudes of discrimination, incitement to violence and stigmatisation, especially in respect of HIV/AIDS.

Thank you Mr. President.

Statement by Rowland Jide Macaulay on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Human Rights

2010-06-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Item 4 General Debate
International Lesbian and Gay Association (European Region)
Statement by Rowland Jide Macaulay on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Human Rights
Presented at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, 9th June 2010.

Mr. President, distinguished delegates,

My name is Rowland Jide Macaulay, I am an ordained reverend with the Metropolitan Community Church, founded in 1968. I grew up and studied both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. I am a Clergy and Human Rights Activist, I have focused my career to support Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people who have been alienated by society, tradition, culture, religion and State government.

In 2006 I started in Nigeria the House of Rainbow Metropolitan Community Church. This organisation is not a pressure or political group, our focus was based on religious equality of all persons against injustices. We are primarily a Christian group, supporting LGBTI people of all faith to reconcile Sexuality and Spirituality.

In February 2007, I presented a paper rejecting the attempts to introduce the Same Sex Prohibition Bill 2006, and have consistently spoken out against the injustice towards LGBTI people in Nigeria and through the rest of Africa.

By 2008, I became recognisable for my work and support for LGBTI rights. My life was endangered. I became a scapegoat of the Nigerian Media, which published many headlines, with my name, photographs and home address which threatened my safety and incited ordinary citizens to attack me and our members. My home was vandalised beyond recognition and looted of every valuable item. I faced daily harassment and verbal abuses from my neighbours and at random from people in the streets. I was subjected to hate and received numerous death threats, my family members in Nigeria and abroad also received death threats and malicious abuses.

On the 14th September 2008, after numerous and unethical media intrusion of our organisation and my work in Nigeria, I was forced into exile to the United Kingdom. Since arriving in the UK, the Nigerian media continued to write sensational stories, jeopardising any possibility of my returning safely to Nigeria. I continue to receive hate mail and death threats. My father who lives and works in Nigeria is continually harassed and receives homophobic abuses and insults.

In 2008 we were forced to close the physical presence of our church. More than 11 of our members were attacked, several were evicted from the homes, rejected by family members and some fired from their employment. We have been unable to continue the important work of reaching LGBTI people with other interventions including HIV prevention work. Many members of House Of Rainbow now seek asylum in Europe with little hope of being accepted as legitimate claimants. Many have been returned to face serious hostilily and danger which could cost lives.

Homosexuality in Africa has been blamed on Western European influence. Yet homosexuality has been present in the African culture throughout history, and without exception the laws criminalising homosexuality on our continent are foreign imports, brought by the injustice of colonialism.

The struggle against HIV/AIDS is also undermined by criminalization of same sex union. Former president of Botswana Festus Mogae and UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa Elizabeth Mataka, have spoken out firmly and forcefully, against criminalization of homosexuality in Africa.

Mr President, we are deeply shocked and saddened by the killing of Floribert Chebeya, a few days ago, one of the most prominent and courageous Human Rights Activists in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We call on the Human Right Council to endorse the appeal for an immediate, credible, impartial and independent investigation into this killing. Speaking recently in Malawi, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon called for an end to criminal laws against homosexuality. We commend the commitment of Mauritius during its UPR to decriminalise homosexuality, and the position of Rwanda that same-sex conduct will not be criminalised since it is essentially a private matter.

I urge States to return to the values of dignity and respect for all peoples, and to:

• urgently repeal discriminatory laws and legally reinforce security for LGBTI people and the full protection of human rights in the context of HIV/AIDS;
• address underlying prejudices and discrimination through education programs and community dialogue, to help create a more supportive environment for LGBTI persons;
• promote media training, explicitly designed to discourage attitudes of discrimination, incitement to violence and stigmatisation, especially in respect of HIV/AIDS.

I hope that this brief account gives a clearer understanding of the struggles we share in seeking respect for our rights, our dignity and our lives. Thank You.

UPR Qatar

2010-06-09T02:43:00.000-07:00

UPR: Qatar
International Lesbian and Gay Association (European Region)
United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva. 9th June 2010.

Presented by Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr. President, distinguished members of the delegation,

We wish to address recommendation 86 (6) in the Working Group report on Qatar. This provision calls for the promotion of tolerance, measures to decriminalize consensual sexual activity among person of the same sex and to ensure that no one is punished for such activity under Sharia law.

Whilst we are aware that Qatar does not support this recommendation, continued criminalisation raises serious issues of discrimination and jeopardises the important goal of promoting sexual health amongst same sex people, including the struggle against HIV/AIDS. The Human Rights Committee has noted that laws criminalising homosexuality “run counter to the implementation of effective education programmes in respect of HIV/AIDS prevention” by driving marginalised communities underground, a finding supported by UNAIDS and other key actors in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

In Toonen v Australia 1994, the UN Human Rights Committee has confirmed that laws against consensual same-sex conduct violate the rights to both privacy and non-discrimination, contrary to articles 17(1) and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In addition, UN resolutions on extrajudicial executions and the death penalty have been explicit that the death penalty may not be imposed for non-violent acts such as sexual relations between consenting adults.

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon in a recent statement, said “We cannot stay quiet when people are denied fundamental rights, whatever their race or faith or age or gender or sexual orientation,”.

• We urge the Government of Qatar to reconsider and accept the recommendation to decriminalize consensual sexual activity among person of the same sex and to ensure that no one is punished for such activity under Sharia law and repeal other discriminatory laws criminalizing same-sex conduct between consenting adults.

• We also urge the Government of Qatar to accept recommendation 86, consistent with its commitment to equality for all its citizens and its legal obligations under international human rights law.

Thank you Mr. President.

In Memoriam: Late Dare Odumuye - Gone Three Years

2010-06-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

In Memoriam: Late Dare Odumuye – Gone Three Years.

Many Nigerians would remember the noble Late Dare Odumuye aka Erelu, he was a champion for human and sexual rights of sexual minorities in Nigeria, he spoke and debated the issues with the state and federal government on the inclusion of sexual minorities in the health manifesto.

Sadly on the 20th May 2007, aged 41, he died living his legacy of activism to many people. Today in Nigeria, many people enjoy the ability of access to peer education, sexual health and international human rights trainings.

He was a member of House Of Rainbow MCC Nigeria and the sole founder and Late President of Alliance Right Nigeria, an organization which advocated for the rights of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Trans and Intersex (LGBTI) people in Nigeria since 1999, provided Sexual health information, Advice, Seminars and Training programme.

We remember him on the third anniversary of this sad loss to the thriving LGBTI community, there is no doubt in our minds that the Nigerian LGBTI History will not be complete without you.

Since you passed away many good and bad things have happened to us, but you thought us never to give up.

We learnt from your selfless struggles to speak out, stand up and defend LGBTI people, we recall how much you travelled the length and breadth of the nation and the globe to represent our battles.

We carry on the torch of hope you light for us in to the waiting darkness and focus on claiming equal rights for all sexual minorities, in Politics, Sexual and Social Health, and societal equality. We continue your legacy to combat discrimination on the grounds of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.

We have not forgotten you and will never forget you. Matthew 22:30 “For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven”

House Of Rainbow MCC Lagos Nigeria, continue to remember him in our prayers and thoughts and trust that he will never be forgotten. Continue to rest in the peace of our Lord until we meet again.

Missionaries of Hate

2010-06-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

In "Missionaries of Hate," correspondent Mariana van Zeller travels to Uganda, where many question whether the growing influence of American religious groups has led to a movement to make homosexuality a crime punishable by death.

Missionary of Hate Part 1

Missionary of Hate Part 2

Missionary of Hate Part 3

Missionary of Hate Part 4

Missionary of Hate Part 5

Missionary of Hate Part 6

House Of Rainbow Fellowship London JUNE 2010

2010-06-01T06:09:00.001-07:00

House Of Rainbow Fellowship Prayer and Praise June 2010.

Thursday 3rd June 2010, 6.30pm
House Of Rainbow Fellowship presents a monthly Prayer and Praise evening in London on the first Thursday of the month 3rd June, from 6.30pm to 8pm, with an inclusive gospel of Jesus, celebrating the ineffable love of God for all people. Come Just as you are, to an inclusive space to pray and safe space to praise. www.houseofrainbow.org For info Call/text +447507510357, email: church@houseofrainbow.org

Sunday 6th June 2010, 11am
Join the Celebration Service at Green Lanes Methodist Church London. Preacher Revd Jide Macaulay. You are invited, also pass on the invitation to your friends. for more details contact Call/Text 07507510357

Date: Sunday, June 6, 2010
Time: 11:00am - 6:30pm
Location: Green Lanes Methodist Church in North London
Street: 132 Green Lanes London N16 9EG
City/Town: London, United Kingdom

Sunday 6th June 2010, 5.30pm
Message: You are invited to join "A Service of Prayer and Praise in honor of Malawian Tiwonge and Steven" at Metropolitan Community Church in East London, For more information please call/text 07958115269 or 07507510357. Preacher Rev Jide Macaulay, Pastor House Of Rainbow Nigeria. Please circulate and invite a friend.

Date: Sunday, June 6, 2010
Time: 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: Metropolitan Community Church in East London
Street: 159 Miles End Road London E1 4AQ
City/Town: London, United Kingdom

London Protest: Free Steven and Tiwonge 29th May 2010

2010-05-28T00:55:00.001-07:00

LONDON: Protest for Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, Freedom for Homosexuals in Africa.
Saturday, 29th May 2010, From 1pm to 2.30pm, Location Outside Malawi High Commission London, 70 Winnington Road London N2 0TX. Come along, pass on the information,
www.houseofrainbow.org

Four Ways to Support Tiwonge and Steven in Prison in Malawi

2010-05-24T07:54:00.001-07:00

ACTION: Support Tiwonge and Steven in prison in Malawi

Four things you can do to support our heroes

London - 21 May 2010

Big thanks to everyone who has shown their concern and anger at the outrageous 14-year jail term handed down to Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga in Malawi.

Here are three ways you can help:

FIRST

Send a letter or postcard of support to Steven and Tiwonge. In this difficult time, they need to know that people around the world love and support them. Get all your friends to do the same. Write to:

Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza, Prisoners, Chichiri Prison,
P.O.Box 30117, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi

SECOND

Write a letter to your elected political representative. Urge him or her to write a letter of protest to Malawian President and to the Malawian Ambassador in your country.

If you live in the UK:
Email your MP and all your MEPs via this website: www.writetothem.com

Ask your MP and MEPs to protest to the Malawian President and to the Malawi High Commission in London.

Ask your MP to sign Early Day Motion 564, which protests against the prosecution of Tiwonge and Steven. See here:
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=40143&SESSION=903

THIRD

Sign Madonna's petition which condemns the jailing of Steven and Tiwonge and which calls for equality and human rights:
http://www.raisingmalawi.org/AddYourName

FOURTH

Make a donation by post or BACS electronic transfer to the Malawi Defence Campaign, organised the UK-based LGBT organisation OutRage!
OutRage! will use all money donated to support Tiwonge and Steven with food parcels, medicine, clothes, blankets etc. and to help fund the campaign for their release.

By BACS electronic transfer:
Account name: OutRage!
Bank: Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank, Bootle, Merseyside, GIR
0AA, England, UK
Account number: 77809302
Sort code: 72-00-01
For electronic transfers from overseas (outside the UK), please
ADDITIONALLY quote these codes:
BIC: ALEIGB22
IBAN: GB65ALE1720001778093 02

By cheque:
Write a cheque payable to "OutRage!" and send to OutRage!, PO Box 17816, London SW14 8WT. Enclose a note giving your name and address and stating that your donation is for the Malawi Defence campaign.

Thanks for your concern and commitment to justice for Tiwonge and Steven.

Solidarity! Peter Tatchell, OutRage!

www.petertatchell.net

www.outrage.org.uk

PRESS RELEASE: Pan Africa ILGA Condemn Sentencing of Gay Couple in Malawi‏

2010-05-20T12:31:00.001-07:00

20th May 2010.

Immediate Press Release

The Executive Board members of the Pan Africa International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, condemns the conviction and sentencing of Tiwonge and Steven in Malawi.

Pan Africa ILGA join all our global human rights organizations and especially the Malawian organization the Center for the Development of People (CEDEP) in condemning the conviction and harsh sentencing of 14 years imprisonment with hard labour by a Magistrate Court in Blantyre, Malawi of Tiwonge ("Tionge") Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza for "unnatural offences" and "indecent practices between males" under Sections 153 and 156 of the Malawi Penal Code.

"This is an appalling, vindictive and brutal sentence, which tramples on Malawi's constitution, violates personal privacy and reverses the country's commitment to human rights.

"Steven and Tiwonge love each other and have harmed no one. Yet they get a sentence more severe than some rapists, armed robbers and killers.

"With so much hatred and violence in Malawi, it is sick that the court has jailed this couple for loving and caring for each other.

"The sentence echoes the era of dictatorship under President Hastings Banda, when personal prejudices determined law enforcement, and when individual rights were crushed and dissenters persecuted,"

We are calling for an immediate response from all parts of the world as we are not going to stand for these injustices, not in Africa and not anywhere else.

We call on government authorities and leaders at the commonwealth and United Nation for their response. We call on African states to condemn these violent breaches of gay people’s right.

This precedence will endanger the very fabric of society that we seek to protect, to live peaceful side by side and will jeopardize the process of saving lives.

WRITE A LETTER TO STEVEN AND TIWONGE

2010-05-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

IMMEDIATE ACTION: Write a letter to Steven and Tiwonge.

One priority is to swamp the prison with letters of support for Steven and Tiwonge.

Help boost their spirits. Show them you care. Send a letter or
postcard of support to Steven and Tiwonge:

Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza, Prisoners, Chichiri Prison,
P.O.Box 30117, Blantyre 3, Malawi

IDAHO Prayers

2010-05-18T02:28:00.001-07:00

IDAHO Prayers from Reverend Jide Macaulay and House Of Rainbow members. May 2010

Let us Pray

Most loving God in heaven, we are gathered here to address some of the biggest issues in our nation, in religion and in our world today, the violence and exclusion of sexual minorities, Children of God. We are asking for the unimaginable love of God, the wasteful generosity and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to be our portion.

We act with faith as we engage in the casting of our burden’s into God’s hands. We pray for zero tolerance of hate from every area of society including our religious families.

We forgive the discrimination and misunderstanding by our society and religious communities, our religious leaders have preached, cajoled and reported that we are evil and an abomination to God, we pray today, WHOSE REPORT SHALL WE BELIEVE?

Report of hate or love? the bible confirms, God is love and there is no fear in love.

Report of Injustice or Justice? Prophet Micah asked, what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Report of condemnation or reconciliation? Paul told the Romans, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Report of exclusion or inclusion? In Colossians, there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.

In Nigeria, Where our Christian brothers and sisters, our leaders are prepared to throw us to the wolves, into the lion’s den and into the human lake of fire, we pray that God will take our yoke and make them light, God will take our pains and sorrows away, God will delight us with happiness and joy.

17th May each year we celebrate IDAHO to remember those injured, killed, families destroyed due to external, internal, state and religious sponsored homophobia. We believe as a Christian Community, Saints and Refugee of God and Asylum of Christ love, we come with a Christian response to arrest homophobia, to detain hatred, stop the abuse and alienation, reconcile families and love ones.

We pour out our souls and spirit in prayers of healing to all affected by hatred, for those alienated from Cape Town to Cyprus, Lagos to London, Mumbai to Melbourne, New York to Nepal that healing will begin today, that people will come to the church for healing and love, peace and reconciliation.

We pray for we know that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

We believe according to 1 Peter 2:9-10 that But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people,* in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 10Once we were not a people, but now we are God’s people; once we had not received mercy, but now we have received mercy

Also 1 Peter 3:8-9, says all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. Amen.

5 Myths About Intersexuals

2010-05-14T00:45:00.001-07:00

5 Myths that Hurt Intersexuals
This list was recently posted on the blog Intersex Roadshow, it is a list of myths that hurt intersexed people, complied from that authors conversations. I think it is a very insightful list, with issues that should be brought to the public attention, so I decided to post it on my blog:

Myth 1: Intersex people all have intermediate genitalia

Imagine this: you're an intersex person, nervous about dating and finding a partner. You work up your courage to disclose your status to people you're interested in, and after a series of them seeming polite but disinterested in dating, you finally meet a guy who expresses interest. You date for a while, and get to the point where the clothes come off. Your boyfriend gets a good look at you naked, accuses you of "making up that story of being intersex" because your body looks female to him, and breaks off the relationship, leaving you feeling misunderstood and ill-used.

Many people are intersexed in ways that are not visible to their partners. For example, an individual with AIS (androgen insensitivity syndrome) is born with internal testes but genitalia that look typically female. Intersex people born with visibly intermediate genitals are often subject to infant sex assignment surgery, another reason why our bodies may not appear visibly intersex to others.

What disturbs me about incidents in which a partner seems interested in dating an intersex person until the clothes come off is that it generally reveals that the partner was fetishizing the intersex person--only interested in them for their "exotic" body. In the situation described here, the boyfriend wanted to have sex with someone who looked genitally intermediate generally. I've also heard stories from intersex people whose genitals are visibly atypical about how a partner lost interest in them when the clothes came off because they didn't see the kind of "hermaphrodite" genitals they'd dreamt of, with a big penis and a vagina (a configuration almost unheard of in real life, but popular in pornographic fantasy). It's depressing to find out your date wasn't really interested in you, but in playing with some fantasy set of genitalia.

Myth 2: Intersex conditions are always diagnosed in infancy

Here's another unfortunate scenario: a person is having infertility problems, so they visit some doctors. They receive a diagnosis and turn in shock to an online gender forum to post "I was just diagnosed as intersex." Somebody responds, "Stop trolling this blog. You're not really intersex--intersex people all know what they are from childhood. You probably have sick fantasies or think saying you're intersex will give you an excuse to gender transition without controversy." The non-intersex person is accusing the intersex individual of being a non-intersex person exploiting intersex individuals, which is pretty ironic.

As noted above, many intersex conditions aren't obviously visible in external genitalia. That means that people may not find out about their intersex status until quite late in life. While the experiences of late-recognized intersex people are different from those of intersex folks diagnosed in infancy, they are not "less" intersex, and have to deal with physical and psychological ramifications for which they need support.

Myth 3: All infant sex-assignment surgery is aimed at creating "female" genitalia

Imagine this situation: you were born with intermediate genitalia but surgically assigned male at birth. However, you grew up hating your male sex assignment, and so you transitioned to female. Your experience has given you a lot of empathy for people viewed as gendertransgressive, so when you notice that a friend of a Facebook friend identifies as genderqueer, you write her a nice message and offer her friendship. She refuses your offer and writes you a nasty note back about how she knows you are lying about being intersex, since "all intersex children are made into girls." She accuses you of being a stalking, posing, creepy man-in-a-dress. Ironic and sad, isn't it--that a woman who identifies as breaking down the boundaries of sex and gender is policing those boundaries so rabidly and wrongheadedly?

It is true that intersex infants are disproportionately surgically assigned female, based on the appalling medical aphorism, "it's easier to make a hole than a pole." But some intersex infants are surgically assigned male--usually when they have at least one external testis, but sometimes under other conditions. The myth that this "never happens" leaves intersex people assigned male at birth open to constant suspicion and exclusion, increasing the difficulties they have to face.

Myth 4: Intersex people should be genderqueer

This myth comes up again and again in academic, activist and feminist circles: that intersex people, being neither male nor female in physical sex, must be genderqueer and androgynous. We're supposed to be standard-bearers for the fight to subvert artificial dyadic gender categories. Encountering an intersex person with an ordinary and "boring" masculine or feminine gender identity who doesn't look at all androgynous, these activists express puzzlement and disappointment--and in private, speculate that the person must have some minor, mild intersex condition, so they are not "intersex enough" to be insightful.

Intersex people face pressure from doctors and families and society at large to genderconform. Facing the opposite pressure to gendertransgress--subversivism-- is just as unfair. Yes, most intersex people open enough to disclose our sex status agree that it is damaging for our society to insist that everyone must identify as male or female. But we live in a society that understands gender dyadically, and like non-intersex people, we commonly identify as masculine or feminine.

Myth 5: "Real" intersex people are not genderqueer

Frustrated and upset by pressure from gender activists to gendertransgress, as descibed in Myth 4, some intersex people have created a reactionary opposite myth: that "real" intersex people have no interest in subverting dyadic gender understandings of male and female. These genderconservative individuals often don't actually identify as "intersex" but as "people with DSDs (Disorders of Sex Development)." And they go around arguing to institutions that "real" intersex people don't identify as genderqueer--that people who say they are intersex and argue for third gender categories and the like are posers, probably crazed feminist zealots or deceptive trans people.

What makes the myth that intersex people are never genderqueer particularly painful to me is that it is spread by members of our community. To undermine your own intersex siblings and deny their identities is counterproductive, pathetic, and cruel. Many intersex people identify as typically masculine or feminine people, but there are plenty who do not do so, and like all genderqueer people, they face a lot of social bias. We have no duty as intersex people to be genderqueer, but I see a strong moral imperative for us to support people who do have genderqueer identities and manners of selfexpression. There are enough hurtful myths circulating about intersex people already. We don't need to add one of our own to the mix.
Posted by the androgyne at 6:20 PM
Labels: list, myths

Prayers for Bobby

2010-05-09T04:35:00.000-07:00

Exceptional performances abound in this poignant Lifetime original about a mother who realizes too late that unconditional love for her gay son is far more important than her faith in a homophobic, vindictive and judgmental God.

Based on a true story detailed in the 1995 book "Prayers For Bobby: A Mother's Coming to Terms With the Suicide of Her Gay Son" by late gay journalist Leroy Aarons, the film is an undeniable tour de force for Sigourney Weaver, who portrays the rigidly devout and ultimately devastated mother with a raw intensity and passion.

Part 1/9

Part 2/9

Part 3/9

Part 4/9

Part 5/9

Part 6/9

Part 7/9

Part 8/9

Part 9/9

African LGBTI Manifesto & Declaration

2010-05-08T14:06:00.001-07:00

African LGBTI Manifesto/Declaration
April 18, 2010, Nairobi, Kenya

As Africans, we all have infinite potential. We stand for an African revolution which encompasses the demand for a re-imagination of our lives outside neo-colonial categories of identity and power. For centuries, we have faced control through structures, systems and individuals who disappear our existence as people with agency, courage, creativity, and economic and political authority.

As Africans, we stand for the celebration of our complexities and we are committed to ways of being which allow for self-determination at all levels of our sexual, social, political and economic lives. The possibilities are endless. We need economic justice; we need to claim and redistribute power; we need to eradicate violence; we need to redistribute land; we need gender justice; we need environmental justice; we need erotic justice; we need racial and ethnic justice; we need rightful access to affirming and responsive institutions, services and spaces; overall we need total liberation.

We are specifically committed to the transformation of the politics of sexuality in our contexts. As long as African LGBTI people are oppressed, the whole of Africa is oppressed.

This vision demands that we commit ourselves to:

• Reclaiming and sharing our stories (past and present), our lived realities, our contributions to society and our hopes for the future;
• Strengthening ourselves and our organizations, deepening our links and understanding of our communities, building principled alliances, and actively contributing towards the revolution.
• Challenging all legal systems and practices which either currently criminalize or seek to reinforce the criminalization of LGBTI people, organizations, knowledge creation, sexual self expression, and movement building.
• Challenging state support for oppressive sexual, gendered, discriminatory norms, legal and political structures and cultural systems.
• Strengthening the bonds of respect, cooperation, passion, and solidarity between LGBTI people, in our complexities, differences and diverse contexts. This includes respecting and celebrating our multiple ways of being, self expression, and languages.
• Contributing to the social and political recognition that sexuality, pleasure, and the erotic are part of our common humanity.
• Placing ourselves proactively within all movement building supportive of our vision.

End!

RESPONSE TO CRITICS: Jesus affirmed a gay couple.

2010-05-08T10:56:00.001-07:00

Dearly Beloved Children of the living God,

I am not surprise at the responses from many of the contributors to my original note, I recognise the pattern of denial, to say that Jesus affirmed gay people, is too good to be true, but it is the gospel truth. For many Gay and Lesbian Christians will resonate in the words of Jesus and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. Also Roman 8:1, (no condemnation) Col 3:11 (no discrimination). Please read.

Many may speak from the comfort of their protective locations or even the darkness of the closet, but for many in Africa and the rest of the Global South these are life saving messages, the Inclusive Gospel.

I am sure you will appreciate the safety of being outside compared to the times you spend in Nigeria. We started the House of Rainbow Metropolitan Community church, focusing all our strength and trust on God and we still do, however, our lives were endangered by our honesty, openness and somewhat naive of the Nigerian politics. Our premise was vandalised beyond recognition and looted of every valuable items, there was an order to assasinate, massacre the gay Christians in cold blood. It was reported that our church was "an unacceptable brand of religion" I was circulated as wanted by the authorities for questioning, it was the grace of God that I was able to leave the country with the cloths on my back.

To include, affirmed and offer an alternative eyeview of the scriptures, the Bible or the Quran is a test of our efficiency to recognise the words from our perspective which have for centuries been distorted to the detriment of same gender loving people. John 20:30-31, Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31But these are written so that you may come to believe* that Jesus is the Messiah,* the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

People may choose to remain in denial, but it will be ungodly not to afford the liberation of the mind of those who finally got the message of inclusion and love of God, the ability to break from the bondages of religious oppression and discrimination.

Many people with hope for liberation suffered again and again, many people were fired from their jobs and evicted from their homes because they are homosexuals. Micah 6:8, what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

The biblical references of homosexuality signpost to destructive homosexual behaviours, even if we are to accept some of the analogies in the old testament. They certainly do not speak of homosexuality as many of us know today. No one judges the destructive heterosexual relationships we see everyday, they make good stories for ratings on Maury, Jerry Springer shows etc.

We are determined never to stop this heroic journey of faith to reconcile human sexuality and spirituality, moreso for LGBTI people.

The physical church as been transformed in to a cyber church for now, where no harm or fear can be real. You can find us on facebook, twitter, ning, yahoo messenger, webpage is www.houseofrainbow.org Call/sms +447507510357

It is only a matter of time before gays and lesbians become free and we continue to focus on the reward of our travailing in prayers and trust in God.

More love more power
Rev Jide Macaulay.

All God's Children on Video

2010-05-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

ALL GOD'S CHILDREN ON VIDEO

All God's Children from Garrett Lenoir on Vimeo.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART

Straight From The Heart from Garrett Lenoir on Vimeo.

DE COLORES

De Colores from Garrett Lenoir on Vimeo.

Documentary With BBC World Service

2010-05-04T02:00:00.001-07:00

Hello People, I am currently doing a documentary with the BBC - World Service, the producer is looking for members or followers of House Of Rainbow Online Church, who are able and willing to make a contribution to the documentary, this can be done anonymously, you don’t have to give your real names. The importance is to share your stories and how your connection with House Of Rainbow's inclusive teaching and Prayer ministry is changing your live. Please write to me at Church@houseofrainbow.org or call/text +447507510357

Until My Last Breath

2010-05-03T02:58:00.001-07:00

Until My Last Breath

I am sure you appreciate the safety of being in Europe compared to the times you spend in Nigeria. In 2006 I gave up everything in England to relocate to Nigeria to start the House of Rainbow Metropolitan Community church, I focus all my strength and trust on God and I still do, however, my life was endangered by my openness and somewhat naive of the Nigerian politics. My home was vandalised beyond recognition and looted of every valuable items and I was later informed through our private investigator that there was an order to assasinate me, it was reported that our church was "an unacceptable brand of religion" I was circulated as wanted by the authorities for questioning, it was the grace of God that I was able to leave the country with the cloths on my back.

I was angry, but you cant argue with God, many people with hope for liberation suffered again and again, many people were fired from their jobs and evicted from their homes because they were homosexual and attached to our church, our pictures were speared over the Nigeria media with a clear homophobic message and incitement to kill. Recalling the headlines makes me angry and at the same time more determined never to stop this heroic journey of faith.

I am in London not because I chose but because God needed to preserve my life and that is why I continue to be more effective using the internet as an additional tool. I am out of Nigeria to re strategise and look at new ways we can do our work effectively, the down side is that many more people will not have access to the internet and many more will like to speak to somebody, we are doing our best to develop and train people locally in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. Personally I am frustrated but I am relearning to wait on God in faith and conscience.

The physical church as been transformed in to a cyber church for now, where no harm or fear can be real. The two links I sent you is part of the work to reach people, at the moment we have nearly 300 people on line with over 400 hits on a single video message, there are people from over 35 countries and thus far I have upload 20 video messages.

The hypocrisy of our people and government is so bad to the point that the minister of justice stood at the UN review in Geneva and lied that there are no homosexuals in Nigeria on the 9th February 2009. He must be in dark ages, never read the papers nor listen to the news. I am active and in contact with Nigeria and our people everyday, by phone and internet.

Nigeria newspapers still run stories with my name and our church regularly. I do not intend to stop until my last breath. I am stil involved with activism in Nigeria and we are detemined that we would continue the work, we need to measure the safety of all people. What can be useful is if we all come together trust and honor God in all we do. Help our fellow brothers and sisters.

We cannot blame those that are downlow, even those in government, you know they will be skinned alive if they admit to being gay, these is part of the cross they bear, but at least they can orchestrate some changes using other mechanism. I must assure you we are working with much more people who are now allies to the LGBT community than we did five years ago.

Please keep in touch

Jesus affirmed a gay couple.

2010-05-01T16:20:00.001-07:00

Jesus affirmed a gay couple.

http://wouldjesusdiscriminate.org/biblical_evidence/gay_couple.html

Discussion: Matthew 19:10-12
From our days in Sunday school, many of us are familiar with the Gospel story where Jesus healed the servant of a Roman centurion. This story is recorded in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10. In Matthew, we are told that the centurion came to Jesus to plead for the healing of his servant. Jesus said he was willing to come to the centurion’s house, but the centurion said there was no need for Jesus to do so — he believed that if Jesus simply spoke the word, his servant would be healed. Marveling at the man’s faith, Jesus pronounced the servant healed. Luke tells a similar story.

Just another miracle story, right? Not on your life!

Note 18. K.J. Dover, Greek Homosexuality (Harvard University Press, Cambridge, 1978), page 16; Bernard Sergent, Homosexuality in Greek Myth (Beacon Press, Boston, 1986), page 10.
In the original language, the importance of this story for gay, lesbian, and bisexual Christians is much clearer. The Greek word used in Matthew’s account to refer to the servant of the centurion is pais. In the language of the time, pais had three possible meanings depending upon the context in which it was used. It could mean “son or boy;” it could mean “servant,” or it could mean a particular type of servant — one who was “his master’s male lover.” (See note 18.) Often these lovers were younger than their masters, even teenagers.

Note 19. Mercer Dictionary of the Bible (Mercer University Press, Macon, 1994), page 554.
To our modern minds, the idea of buying a teen lover seems repugnant. But we have to place this in the context of ancient cultural norms. In ancient times, commercial transactions were the predominant means of forming relationships. Under the law, the wife was viewed as the property of the husband, with a status just above that of slave. Moreover, in Jesus’ day, a boy or girl was considered of marriageable age upon reaching his or her early teens. It was not uncommon for boys and girls to marry at age 14 or 15. (See note 19.) Nor was it uncommon for an older man to marry a young girl. Fortunately civilization has advanced, but these were the norms in the culture of Jesus’ day.

In that culture, if you were a gay man who wanted a male “spouse,” you achieved this, like your heterosexual counterparts, through a commercial transaction — purchasing someone to serve that purpose. A servant purchased to serve this purpose was often called a pais.

The word boy in English offers a rough comparison. Like pais, the word boy can be used to refer to a male child. But in the slave South in the nineteenth century, boy was also often used to refer to male slaves. The term boy can also be used as a term of endearment. For example, Jeff’s father often refers to his mother as “his girl.” He doesn’t mean that she is a child, but rather that she is his “special one.” The term boy can be used in the same way, as in “my boy” or “my beau.” In ancient Greek, pais had a similar range of meanings.

Thus, when this term was used, the listener had to consider the context of the statement to determine which meaning was intended. Some modern Christians may be tempted to simply declare by fiat that the Gospels could not possibly have used the term pais in the sense of male lover, end of discussion. But that would be yielding to prejudice. We must let the word of God speak for itself, even if it leads us to an uncomfortable destination.

Is it possible the pais referred to in Matthew 8 and Luke 7 was the Roman centurion’s male lover? Let’s look at the biblical evidence.

Note 20. For an excellent and thorough discussion of the terms pais and entimos doulos in these two gospel accounts, see Donald Mader’s article The Entimos Pais of Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10, (Source: Homosexuality and Religion and Philosophy, Harland Publishing, Inc., New York, 1998).
The Bible provides three key pieces of textual and circumstantial evidence. First, in the Luke passage, several additional Greek words are used to describe the one who is sick. Luke says this pais was the centurion’s entimos doulos. The word doulos is a generic term for slave, and was never used in ancient Greek to describe a son/boy. Thus, Luke’s account rules out the possibility the sick person was the centurion’s son; his use of doulos makes clear this was a slave. However, Luke also takes care to indicate this was no ordinary slave. The word entimos means “honored.” This was an “honored slave” (entimos doulos) who was his master’s pais. Taken together, the three Greek words preclude the possibility the sick person was either the centurion’s son or an ordinary slave, leaving only one viable option — he was his master’s male lover. (See note 20.)

A second piece of evidence is found in verse 9 of Matthew’s account. In the course of expressing his faith in Jesus’ power to heal by simply speaking, the centurion says, “When I tell my slave to do something, he does it.” By extension, the centurion concludes that Jesus is also able to issue a remote verbal command that must be carried out. When speaking here of his slaves, the centurion uses the word doulos. But when speaking of the one he is asking Jesus to heal, he uses only pais. In other words, when he is quoted in Matthew, the centurion uses pais only when referring to the sick person. He uses a different word, doulos, when speaking of his other slaves, as if to draw a distinction. (In Luke, it is others, not the centurion, who call the sick one an entimos doulos.) Again, the clear implication is that the sick man was no ordinary slave. And when pais was used to describe a servant who was not an ordinary slave, it meant only one thing — a slave who was the master’s male lover.

The third piece of evidence is circumstantial. In the Gospels, we have many examples of people seeking healing for themselves or for family members. But this story is the only example of someone seeking healing for a slave. The actions described are made even more remarkable by the fact that this was a proud Roman centurion (the conqueror/oppressor) who was humbling himself and pleading with a Jewish rabbi (the conquered/oppressed) to heal his slave. The extraordinary lengths to which this man went to seek healing for his slave is much more understandable, from a psychological perspective, if the slave was his beloved companion.

Thus, all the textual and circumstantial evidence in the Gospels points in one direction. For objective observers, the conclusion is inescapable: In this story Jesus healed a man’s male lover. When understood this way, the story takes on a whole new dimension.

Imagine how it may have happened. While stationed in Palestine, the centurion’s pais becomes ill — experiencing some type of life-threatening paralysis. The centurion will stop at nothing to save him. Perhaps a friend tells him of rumors of Jesus’ healing powers. Perhaps this friend also tells him Jesus is unusually open to foreigners, teaching his followers that they should love their enemies, even Roman soldiers. So the centurion decides to take a chance. Jesus was his only hope.

As he made his way to Jesus, he probably worried about the possibility that Jesus, like other Jewish rabbis, would take a dim view of his homosexual relationship. Perhaps he even considered lying. He could simply use the word duolos. That would have been accurate, as far as it went. But the centurion probably figured if Jesus was powerful enough to heal his lover, he was also powerful enough to see through any half-truths.

So the centurion approaches Jesus and bows before him. “Rabbi, my . . . ,” the word gets caught in his throat. This is it — the moment of truth. Either Jesus will turn away in disgust, or something wonderful will happen. So, the centurion clears his throat and speaks again. “Rabbi, my pais — yes, my pais lies at home sick unto death.” Then he pauses and waits for a second that must have seemed like an eternity. The crowd of good, God-fearing people surrounding Jesus probably became tense. This was like a gay man asking a televangelist to heal his lover. What would Jesus do?

Without hesitation, Jesus says, “Then I will come and heal him.”

It’s that simple! Jesus didn’t say, “Are you kidding? I’m not going to heal your pais so you can go on living in sin!” Nor did he say, “Well, it shouldn’t surprise you that your pais is sick; this is God’s judgment on your relationship.”

Instead, Jesus’ words are simple, clear, and liberating for all who have worried about what God thinks of gay relationships. “I will come and heal him.”

At this point, the centurion says there is no need for Jesus to travel to his home. He has faith that Jesus’ word is sufficient. Jesus then turns to the good people standing around him — those who were already dumbfounded that he was willing to heal this man’s male lover. To them, Jesus says in verse 10 of Matthew’s account, “I have not found faith this great anywhere in Israel.” In other words, Jesus holds up this gay centurion as an example of the type of faith others should aspire to.

Jesus didn’t just tolerate this gay centurion. He said he was an example of faith — someone we all should strive to be like.

Then, just so the good, God-fearing people wouldn’t miss his point, Jesus speaks again in verse 11: “I tell you, many will come from the east and the west [i.e., beyond the borders of Israel] to find a seat in the kingdom of heaven, while the heirs [i.e., those considered likely to inherit heaven] will be thrown into outer darkness.” By this statement Jesus affirmed that many others like this gay centurion — those who come from beyond the assumed boundaries of God’s grace — are going to be admitted to the kingdom of heaven. And he also warned that many who think themselves the most likely to be admitted will be left out.

In this story, Jesus restores a gay relationship by a miracle of healing and then holds up a gay man as an example of faith for all to follow. So consider carefully: Who is Lord — Jesus or cultural prejudice?

Rev Jide Macaulay and Timothy Obialo on Atlanta Gay Radio

2010-05-01T01:31:00.001-07:00

Listen the this Interview with Rev Jide Macaulay and Timothy Obialo on Atlanta Gay Radio with host Betty Couvertier, on "AP2010's Podcast": http://podOmatic.com/r/tKLP

Give Jesus a TRY, You are invited to House Of Rainbow LONDON 6th May 2010

2010-04-30T10:28:00.001-07:00

Give Jesus a TRY, All are Welcome in this place. You are invited to House Of Rainbow Fellowship LONDON, Monthly Prayer and Praise on the 6th May 2010, 6.30pm Call/Text +447507510357 and visit www.houseofrainbow.org

Nigerian outcast to appear on "Alternative Perspectives"

2010-04-27T10:37:00.001-07:00

Nigerian outcast to appear on "Alternative Perspectives"
http://thegavoice.com/index.php/component/content/article/29-tiga/251-nigerian-outcast-on-alternative-perspectives

BY DYANA BAGBY
MONDAY, APRIL 26, 2010 10:36 PM

Rev. Rowland Jide Macaulay will be on LGBT radio show tonight.
Rev. Rowland Jide Macaulay will be the guest via telephone on tonight’s LGBT radio show, “Alternative Perspectives,” on WRFG, 89.3 FM. The show airs from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and can also be streamed live at www.wrfg.org.
Macaulay, who lives in London, was chased out of Lagos, Nigeria, for being openly gay. He will be sharing his story with “Alternative Perspectives” host and long time queer activist, Betty Couvertier.

Signs of Faith, Hope and Love

2010-04-26T01:51:00.001-07:00

Rev Jide Visiting Preacher at MCC East London 25th April

2010-04-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

Join Rev Jide Macaulay and Rev Margarita De Sousa at the Metropolitan Community Church East London, 5.30pm on the 25th April 2010 for an inclusive Praise and Worship.

Address 159 Mile End Road London E1 4AQ.

Homosexuality and the Black Church

2010-04-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Prayers For Voters 2010 General Election in UK

2010-04-20T03:22:00.000-07:00

Prayers for voters ahead of 2010 General Election in United Kingdom

Loving God

Thank you for caring about how our country is run, and that we have the right to vote for our politicians and government.

But in the run-up to this general election there are so many policies to understand, and so many different points of view to consider -

sometimes I wonder whether there's any point in voting, whether anyone cares what I think.

As I choose who I am going to vote for,

help me not to be cynical about politics and politicians,

help me to remember that my vote can make a difference,

and help me vote for those people who will protect the poor and vulnerable, and do all they can to make our nation a place of fairness and peace.

Because you call us to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you, our God.

Amen.

Heavenly Father

source of all truth and wisdom, who knows and loves the whole creation,

watch over our nation at election time:

that truth may prevail over distortion,

wisdom triumph over recklessness

and the concerns of every person be heard.

Lord Jesus,

who chose the way of the cross in the Garden of Gethsemane,

help us to turn our backs on self interest

and to support policies that sustain the poor, the vulnerable and the frightened people of this world.

Holy Spirit,

who brought understanding among myriad peoples and languages at Pentecost,

give to all your people a passion for peace

and inspire us to work for unity and co-operation throughout the world and in our political life together.

Amen.

Lord, we give thanks for the privileges and responsibilities of

living in a democratic society.

Give us wisdom to play our part at election time,

that, through the exercise of each vote,

your Kingdom may come closer.

Protect us from the sins of despair and cynicism,

guard us against the idols of false utopias

and strengthen us to make politics a noble calling

that serves the common good of all.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

http://cofe.anglican.org/generalelection
The Church of England has published prayers and compiled useful information to help voters as they consider their options in the forthcoming General Election.

Prayer Over the Volcanic Ash

2010-04-19T02:39:00.000-07:00

Prayer Over the Volcanic Ash

Please join us to pray over the volcanic ash, it is now four days since the news of the volcanic ash eruption.

Flights over the United Kingdom and Nordic countries have been delayed and in many cases suspended after a volcanic eruption have sent tons of particulate matter into the air. Let us pray for the mercy of God and guide the government on the way forward to bring people to their destinations safely.

The gigantic ash cloud hinders visibility to pilots, and in addition the matter can be sucked into plane engines, causing them to stall. The plume has risen between 20,000 feet and 36,000 feet.

Let us pray for the thousands of air travelers all over the world who have been stranded as flights have been cancelled.

Loving God we are thankful for your intervention in our world and we ask you to please help us to move this Ash Cloud further away from the air path in order that flights may resume, that businesses may begin recovery, that people may return home and to work.

Thank you Lord for answered prayers, amen.

A Video Response: Love Not Hate

2010-04-17T05:17:00.000-07:00

A Response: Love Not Hate by Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay, is a video response to many articles and postings of hate. It is in my view that many people do not speak for an ineffable God with ample generousity of love.

Prayer At Night Time

2010-04-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

Most loving God, as we prepare to sleep, we thank you for the day in all its glory, we thank God that the hardship of the day did not consume us, we survive the stress of every moment and we rejoice in the love and strength of God.

The power of God guided us

God's might upheld us

The eye of God looked over us

The ear of God listened to us

The word of God spoke to us

The hand of God defended us

The shield of God protected us

From the snares of demons, from the seduction of the vice, from the wicked desires of our nature, from man or woman, boy or girl who plotted against us, near or afar, alone or with others.

Christ be with us, Christ be before us

Christ be after us, Christ be within us

Christ be beneath us, Christ be above us

Christ be at our right hand and left hand

Christ be in the fort and the chariot

Christ be in our heart as we lay to sleep

For all of this and more we pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Unless I see I will not believe By Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay

2010-04-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Unless I see I will not believe By Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay

Malawi Prisoner Steven Monjeza is Seriously ill

2010-04-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

Malawi prisoner Steven Monjeza is seriously ill

Not getting medical treatment

Needs urgent hospital care

Please lobby Malawi government now

London - 12 April 2010

"Steven Monjeza is seriously ill in the notorious Chichiri Prison in Blantyre, Malawi. He has been held on remand in an overcrowded, fetid call for over three months, without proper food, sanitation or medical care," reports London-based human rights campaigner, Peter Tatchell of OutRage!

Together with his partner, Tiwonge Chimbalanga, Mr Monjeza is on trial on charges of homosexuality.

Mr Tatchell has been sent an urgent appeal from inside the prison, requesting help for Mr Monjeza.

"According to eye-witnesses in the prison, Steven has been vomiting, coughing and suffering from pain and pressure in his chest for 11 days. He looks very ill and has lost weight. People who have seen him fear for his health," said Mr Tatchell.

"The prison authorities have failed to give Steven proper treatment, or even sufficient pain-killers. His pain-killers ran out on 10 April.

"My informant says Mr Monjeza urgently needs to go to hospital for a full medical examination and treatment. His health is likely to deteriorate further unless he gets swift medical care.

"Mr Monjeza is being held in a cell with a dozen other men. There is not enough space to sleep comfortably. Chichiri prison was built for 800 prisoners. It currently holds around 2,000 inmates. All are suffering.

"Toilet and shower facilities are deficient. Mr Monjeza receives only two meals a day. It is always the same maize porridge with beans, which has low nutritional value.

"Steven and Tiwonge are being held on remand. They have not been convicted of any offence. Yet they are being treated like criminals and imprisoned with hardened felons convicted of serious crimes.

"Requests by Mr Monjeza and Mr Chimbalanga for bail have been turned down, even though people convicted of violent assaults, even murder, have been previously granted bail. It looks like they are being singled out for special victimisation.

"We ask you to lobby the Malawian Ambassador in your country. Ask him or her to press the government of Malawi to transfer Mr Monjeza to hospital and provide him with medical treatment. Thank you," said Mr Tatchell.

See background to the case and details of the London protest in support of Steven and Tiwonge here:
http://www.petertatchell.net/international/malawi-protest-in-london-free-steven-tiwonge.html

We Have A Great High Priest

2010-04-09T06:44:00.001-07:00

We have a Great High Priest

Hebrew 4:14-16 “Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

This is an announcement of hope, anticipation, optimism, and expectation for many people who may have lost hope or dissipated on the notion that Jesus died for all our weaknesses. A failure to acknowledge that from the beginning of creation God’s love for humankind never shifted.

Whatever we may be going through in our daily lives and uphill struggles, Jesus has been through it or it is safe to say that Jesus is going through the difficult times with us, shares our pains and burdens, our joys and triumphs. Our confession, that Jesus is Lord of all requires renewal with clarity of our faith in the divine intervention of the almighty God.

Let me take more time to analyse this passage for a better understanding;
a) Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God; There is no misunderstanding on the superiority of Jesus, there is no confusion about his Excellency, the son of God, he has passed through heaven and earth, so there is nothing we are going to pass through that he has not experienced.
b) Let us hold fast to our confession; Our confession in God and Jesus is the confession of our faith and honour of the creator. “For without faith it is impossible to please God for whoever comes to God must believe that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek God”. Hebrew 11:6
c) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses; Jesus sympathises with all of humanity, where there are pains and calamities, where there are aches and perils, Jesus is there. Jesus is the only high priest who is capable of transcending our turmoil to serenity, our mourning to dancing and sorrow to joy.
d) But we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin; Christ stood the test for our victory, Jesus paid the price for our liberation, redemption, and freedom, Jesus is the child of God without blemish nor sin, there are no tests under the sun and or on earth that Jesus had not passed for our sake, with this in mind we must find a place in our heart for celebration of the sanctity of our souls.
e) Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness; We should therefore come with boldness and not fear, with rejoicing and not sadness, courage and not cowardice, when we come with boldness and faith we are guaranteed a higher measure of success, testimony and victory.
f) So that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need; When we fulfil all of the proscribed notions in these verses, we are rewarded with mercy and grace, which meets our help in time of need, including grace to help ourselves and each other.

I am encouraged by the verses shared in this reflection and it is my hope and prayer that an extension of this love and grace of God will be given to all regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, disabilities, wealth and so on.

More love more power
Rowland Jide Macaulay

Leading African clergy, jurists and civil society groups call on Uganda to stop the Anti-Homosexuality Bill

2010-03-31T08:06:00.001-07:00

Press Release:
March 31, 2009

Leading African clergy, jurists and civil society groups call on Uganda to stop the Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Leading African clergy and prominent individuals, as well as more than 60 civil society and human rights groups from 10 sub-Saharan African countries have endorsed a statement calling on the President, Government and Parliament of Uganda to reject the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in its entirety.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill provides for severe punishment, inclusive imprisonment, for those engaging in same sex relations, as well as for members of the public who fail to report such activities to the authorities. The original draft also provides for the death penalty and life imprisonment. The Bill has already gone through the first reading in Parliament and is now before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. “We are very concerned that it could become law within a few weeks or months”, said Adrian Jjuuko, Coordinator of Uganda's Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law.

The statement has been endorsed by leading African clergy such as Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, the current Archbishop of Cape Town, the Most Reverend Dr. Thabo Cecil Makgoba and Canon Gideon Byamugisha of Uganda. Others endorsing the statement include Pius Langa, the former Chief Justice of South Africa, and other jurists, academics, truth commissioners and human rights activists.

In the declaration, the endorsing individuals and organizations reaffirm their commitment to the universality of the human rights of all persons. They note that “all forms of discrimination, in particular against vulnerable groups, undermine the human dignity of all in Africa”. The statement declares that the Bill “promotes prejudice and hate and encourages harmful and violent action against marginalized groups in Africa”.

“Civil society organisations throughout Africa are mobilizing to persuade Ugandan Parliamentarians to block this pernicious Bill”, said Phumi Mtetwa, executive director of the Lesbian and Gay Equality Project in South Africa. Godwin Buwa, a lawyer with the Refugee Law Project in Kampala said that “if the Bill is passed, even in diluted form, it would constitute a massive setback for human rights in Africa”.

The statement calls on African governments and the African Union to call on the President and Government of Uganda to withdraw the Bill and to respect the human rights of all in Uganda, without exception.

The list of individuals and organizations continues to grow and will be updated regularly. The full list can be viewed at www.alp.org.za and www.ugandans4rights.org

CALL BY AFRICAN CIVIL SOCIETY: REJECT THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL

We, the individuals and organisations from African countries listed hereunder, recognise the universality of the human rights of all persons.

We affirm that the right of men and women to have same sex relationships is a fundamental human right.

We are further guided in the knowledge that all forms of discrimination, in particular against vulnerable groups, undermine the human dignity of all in Africa.

We are therefore profoundly disturbed by the nature, content and potential impact of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill (“the Bill”) that was recently tabled in and is currently being considered by the Parliament of Uganda.

We believe that the Bill, if enacted, will cut deeply into the fabric of Ugandan society by–

· Violating the rights of an already vulnerable and severely stigmatised group of persons by attacking their dignity, privacy and other constitutionally protected rights;

· Disrupting family and community life by compelling everyone, by the threat of criminal sanction, to report those suspected of engaging in same-sex sexual activity;

· Seeking to withdraw Uganda from the family of nations by reneging on the country’s international law obligations;

· Undermining public health interventions such as HIV prevention, treatment, care and support;

· Promoting prejudice and hate and encouraging harmful and violent action to be taken against those engaging in same sex relations.

We respectfully call on the Parliament of Uganda to reject the Bill in its entirety.

We also call on African governments and the African Union to call on the President and Government of Uganda to withdraw the Bill and to respect the human rights of all in Uganda, without exception.

Statement endorsed by:-

African personalities include:[1]

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu (former Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Former Chairperson of the South African Truth & Reconciliation Commission, former General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches, Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize)

Most Reverend Dr. Thabo Cecil Makgoba (Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town)

Reverend Canon Gideon Byamugisha, (Ordained Priest in the Church of Uganda, Recipient of the 2009 Niwano Peace Prize)

Bishop Jo Seoka (Bishop of Pretoria)

Pius Langa, (former Chief Justice of South Africa, Chancellor of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, former Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu Natal, founder member and former President of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADEL); co-founder of the Release Mandela Campaign (Natal); recipient of the Order of the Supreme Counselor of the Baobab: Gold)

Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza SC (Acting Judge of the Cape High Court, Member of the South African Judicial Services Commission, Member of the International Commission of Inquiry on Darfur, former Commissioner of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, National Chairperson of Advocates for Transformation)

Reverend Bongani Blessing Finca (former Commissioner of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Provincial Electoral Officer for the Eastern Cape, South Africa)

Dr. A. Atia Apusigah (Department of African Studies, University for Development Studies, Ghana)

Yasmin Sooka (former Commissioner of the South African & Sierra Leonean Truth and Reconciliation Commissions, former Acting Judge of the High Court of South Africa, Director of the Foundation for Human Rights)

Kader Asmal, (Honorary Professor, University of the Western Cape; former South African Minister of Education, Barrister of Lincoln's Inn, London; former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Trinity College; founding member of the British Anti-Apartheid Movement, former Chairperson of the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement, former member of the National Executive Committee of the African National Congress)

Dr. Alexander Lionel Boraine, (former President of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Chairperson of the Mauritian Truth & Reconciliation Commission, former Deputy-Chairperson of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission)

Dipak Patel, (former Director-General of Transport in the South African Government and senior officer of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the armed wing of the African National Congress)

Dr Fazel Randera, (former Commissioner of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, former Inspector-General of Intelligence, former National Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Committee)

Mary Burton (former Commissioner of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, former President of the Black Sash, Deputy Chairperson of the Council of the University of Cape Town, Recipient of National Order of Luthuli Award)

African based Civil Society Organisations:

1. Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management (South Africa)

2. African Council of AIDS Service Organizations (Senegal)

3. African Men for Sexual Health and Rights (Cameroon)

4. AIDS Consortium (South Africa)

5. AIDS Law Project (South Africa)

6. AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa (Namibia)

7. Amnesty International East Africa (Uganda)

8. Anti-Privatisation Forum (South Africa)

9. Artists for a New South Africa (South Africa)

10. Association for Progressive Communications (South Africa)

11. Centre for Social Accountability (South Africa)

12. Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (Malawi)

13. Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention (South Africa)

14. Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (South Africa)

15. Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law (Uganda)

16. Clinton Health Access Initiative (Uganda)

17. Coalition to End Discrimination (South Africa)

18. Development for Peace Education (Sierra Leone)

19. Engender (South Africa)

20. Equal Education (South Africa)

21. Fahamu, African Networks for Social Justice (Kenya)

22. Foundation for Human Rights (South Africa)

23. Freedom and Roam Uganda (Uganda)

24. Gay Umbrella (South Africa)

25. Gender DynamiX (South Africa)

26. Grassroots Movement for Health and Development (Malawi)

27. Gun Free South Africa (South Africa)

28. Health4Men (South Africa)

29. History Department of Rhodes University (South Africa)

30. Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (Uganda)

31. Human Rights Media Centre (South Africa)

32. Human Rights Institute of South Africa (South Africa)

33. Human Rights Watch (South Africa)

34. Independent Medico Legal Unit (Kenya)

35. International Center for Transitional Justice (South Africa)

36. International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (South Africa)

37. Intersex South Africa (South Africa)

38. Kenya Human Rights Commission (Kenya)

39. Kubatana Trust (Zimbabwe)

40. Labour Research Service (South Africa)

41. Lesbian and Gay Equality Project (South Africa)

42. Legal Assistance Centre (Namibia)

43. OUT LGBT Well-Being (South Africa)

44. Out In AFrica Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (South Africa)

45. Pambazuka News (Kenya)

46. People Opposing Women Abuse (South Africa)

47. Public Service Accountability Monitor; Centre for Social Accountability (South Africa)

48. Rainbow UCT (South Africa)

49. Refugee Law Project (Uganda)

50. Rural Health Advocacy Project (South Africa)

51. Sexual Minorities (Uganda)

52. Social Justice Coalition (South Africa)

53. Sonke Gender Justice Network (South Africa)

54. South African History Archive (South Africa)

55. Southern Africa Litigation Centre (South Africa)

56. Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Taskforce (South Africa)

57. Students for Law & Social Justice (South Africa)

58. Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme (South Africa)

59. Treatment Action Campaign (South Africa)

60. Uhspa-Uganda (Uganda)

61. Women's Academic Solidarity Association of Rhodes University (South Africa)

62. Women’s Legal Centre (South Africa)

63. Women'sNet (South Africa)

---------------

Inquiries:

Phumi Mtetwa (Johannesburg): +27 72 795 9194; phumi@equality.org.za

Jonathon Berger (Johannesburg): +27 83 419 5779; bergerj@alp.org.za

Adrian Jjuuko (Kampala): +256 - 782 - 169 – 505; jjuukoa@yahoo.co.uk;

Godwin Buwa (Kampala): +256 - 712 – 864728; godwinbuwa@yahoo.com,

www.rjmm.co.uk

2010-03-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Setting Up Our Websites

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I want you to be the first to know that we are in the process of setting up our direct websites, this work is under construction. The direct links are www.houseofrainbow.org which will serve all the online ministry work of HOR and also www.rjmm.co.uk. which will be the direct webpage for Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay Ministries.
If you have any suggestions for the webpage development please do not hesitate to get in touch with me directly. Rev Jide

UPR Ethiopia

2010-03-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

United Nations Human Right Council 13th Session
UPR Ethiopia

Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network &
International Lesbian and Gay Association - Europe

Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr President,

I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Pan Africa ILGA.

We wish to address the recommendations contained in paragraph 99 (21 & 22) in the Working Group report on Ethiopia, which urges the government to;

• “Strengthen the human rights education and training of military forces and police, prison and judicial staff, and ensure their accountability for any violations of human rights, in particular for violence or sexual violence against women, children and persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity”
• “ decriminalize consensual same-sex activity between adults”.

While we appreciate the sensitivity of the issues, the criminal prohibitions on sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex under article 629 of the Penal Code are a violation of established international human rights law.

Treaty bodies have repeatedly affirmed that such laws violate international rights to privacy and non-discrimination. As the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has also emphasized: “there remain all too many countries which continue to criminalize sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex in defiance of established human rights law.” A resolution unanimously adopted at the NGO Forum to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in November 2009 urges States to “comply with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights by repealing laws which criminalize sexual conduct between consenting adults of the same sex”.

In Ethiopia not all men who have sex with men necessarily identify as homosexuals. As UNAIDS has noted, laws criminalising homosexuality pose a threat to public health as they frustrate the important work of creating access to HIV prevention and awareness programmes for men who have sex with men.

We therefore urge the Ethiopian government:

• To repeal all legislative provisions which criminalize sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex; and
• To take measures to recognise and protect the rights of sexual and gender minorities, and extend its HIV intervention programs to include same-sex practicing people.

Thank you very much Mr President.

UPR Equatorial Guinea

2010-03-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

United Nations Human Right Council 13th Session
Geneva, 15th to 19th March 2010.
UPR Equatorial Guinea – Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network.

Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay
Mr President

We appreciate the delegation’s constructive engagement in the UPR process, and thank you again for your leadership on many important human rights issues.

We commend Equatorial Guinea for accepting the majority of the recommendations, especially paragraph 70(7), noted in the Working Group report, in supporting human rights education and training. Formulated by the Czech Republic, this is a recommendation to:

“Strengthen mechanisms for ensuring awareness and implementation of international human rights obligations, including through establishment of human rights educational programmes for police, prison and judicial staff with special attention to protection of human rights of women, children, persons of minority sexual orientation and gender identity, etc”.

We welcome Equitorial Guinea’s acceptance of this recommendation, which will help ensure that authorities are able to respond more effectively to the needs of all members of society, including women, children and those who are marginalised because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

We would also encourage the government to take steps to ensure that there is no legal or social discrimination on these grounds.

Finally, in implementation of the government’s agreement to take measures to ensure awareness-raising, educational programmes and non-discrimination on grounds inclusing sexual orientation, gender identity and HIV status, we express our willingness to work with the government to develop and implement initiatives to achieve these goals.

Thank you very much Mr President.

UPR Bhutan

2010-03-18T09:54:00.001-07:00

United Nations Human Right Council 13th Session
Geneva, 15th to 19th March 2010.

UPR Bhutan
Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network

Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay.

Mr President, distinguished members of the delegation,

I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association.

We wish to address recommendation 60 in paragraph 101 of the Working Group report on Bhutan, namely to repeal all provisions in the Penal Code which criminalize sexual activities between consenting adults of the same sex.

We appreciated the delegation’s affirmation in its response that articles 213 and 214 of the Penal Code have never been applied in relation to consensual sexual activities between adults of the same sex. At the same time, the United Nations Human Rights Committee ruled in the 1994 case of Toonen v. Australia that laws criminalizing homosexual conduct violate the rights to privacy and non-discrimination protected by the ICCPR. The Human Rights Committee has also confirmed that these laws are inconsistent with international law even when they are not actively enforced, since they stigmatize marginalised populations and undermine human dignity.

As further noted by the Human Rights Committee, laws criminalising homosexuality “run counter to the implementation of effective education programmes in respect of HIV/AIDS prevention” by driving marginalised communities underground, a finding supported by UNAIDS and other key actors in the fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The delegation of Bhutan in its response also recognised that many such laws are of colonial origin, a point underlined by the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, who has stated: “There remain all too many countries which continue to criminalize sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex in defiance of established human rights law. Ironically, many of these laws are relics of the colonial era, and are increasingly becoming recognised as anachronistic, and as inconsistent both with international law and with traditional values of dignity, inclusion, and respect for all.”

Finally, we note the government’s affirmation that these laws may be re-examined in future, when the public feels the need to do so. We emphasize that human rights must never be a popularity contest, but we do welcome the government’s willingness to review these laws in future, and we urge the government to take all necessary steps to bring these provisions into conformity with international law as soon as possible.

Thank you.

UPR Cote D'Ivoire

2010-03-18T04:44:00.000-07:00

United Nations Human Right Council 13th Session
Geneva, 15th to 19th March 2010.
UPR Cote d’lvoire – Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network

Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr President, distinguished members of the delegation,

I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Pan Africa ILGA.

We wish to address recommendation 99(28) formulated during the interactive dialogue, which enjoyed the support of Côte d’Ivoire, namely: “To take measures to ensure non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity”.

We acknowledge and commend the government of Cote D’ivoire for agreeing to take action on the recommended measures to ensure that no-one faces discrimination, including on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The government’s acceptance of this recommendation is in keeping with a resolution unanimously adopted at the NGO Forum to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in November 2009, and will have a positive impact on societal and government official responses to the issues of the LGBT community. It is also an important tool for fostering a sense of inclusion and enhancing access to HIV prevention and education programmes.

We note that Côte d’Ivoire did not take the further step of accepting an additional recommendation to implement awareness-raising programmes on these grounds, although we appreciate the government’s affirmation that it does not consider same-sex relations between consenting adults to be criminal and does not penalise or discriminate on this basis.

The government has indicated that awareness-raising programmes on these grounds is therefore not a “current priority”, although we encourage the government to consider such programmes in the future, to better foster social understanding, tolerance and inclusion.

Finally, in implementation of the government’s agreement to take measures to ensure non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, we express our willingness to work with the government to develop and implement initiatives to achieve these goals.

Thank you very much Mr President.

UPR Democratic Republic of Congo

2010-03-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

United Nations Human Right Council 13th Session
UPR Democratic Republic of Congo

Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network &
International Lesbian and Gay Association

Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr President,

I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Pan Africa ILGA.

We wish to address the recommendations contained in paragraph 97(10) in the Working Group report on the Democratic Republic of Congo, which urges the government to “decriminalize consensual same-sex activity between adults”.

The criminal prohibitions on sexual activity against “morals” and “family life” under articles 168-170 and 172 of the Penal Code can be used to criminalise sexual activity between consenting adults.

While we appreciate the sensitivity of the issues, we remind the government that its primary obligation is to respect international law. According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee's 1994 ruling in the case Toonen v. Australia, laws criminalizing homosexual conduct violate the right to privacy and non-discrimination protected by the ICCPR.

These laws threaten the existence of sexaul minorities and also impede measures to address HIV and AIDS by driving marginalised communities underground, a position also affirmed by UNAIDS and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo not all men who have sex with men necessarily identify as homosexuals. The criminal legislation continues to have a negative impact on important HIV prevention work for the community, and this we believe is a threat to public health.

We therefore urge the government to implement the recommendations of member states and take action:

• To ensure that the penal code is not applied to criminalize homosexual activity between consenting adults, and bring this into line with the provisions of the ICCPR, particularly articles 2 and 26.
• To adopt measures and effective educational programmes for the prevention of HIV/AIDS; and
• To provide law enforcement and judicial officials with specific training regarding the protection of human rights of sexual minorities.

Finally, we are prepared to work with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to develop and implement initiatives to achieve these recommendations.

Thank you very much Mr President.

Religions, Homophobia, Transphobia..,

2010-03-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

Religions, homophobia, transphobia….

A rationale for an initiative around the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia

1 Religions and homo/transphobia

All over the world, transphobic and homophobic violence is often perpetrated by conservative people who use religion to justify their acts. This is not the privilege of any specific religion and it would be only too easy to find examples related to outburst of violence in Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, animist, etc… contexts. Leading to a climate of violence, exclusion, hate and discrimination within the faith groups and believers, these expressions of violence also indirectly influence many non-believers or atheist people, and lead them to opinions and acts that attack the dignity, safety and sometimes the very lives of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people. Far from being a phenomenon of the past, this religious violence is a persistent, and sometimes an increasing reality in many countries. The conservative religious right is also mandating its theology of violence and exclusion into the political realms as well.

But at the same time, many voices are increasingly being heard that express concern that religions are being invoked to justify violence and exclusion. On the contrary many believers are gradually joining the position that violence and bigotry should not be one of the most visible expressions of their faith . They feel the religious scriptures express values that encourage respect for human dignity, values that welcome the ‘stranger’, the ‘other’, values that promote hospitality and respect for diversity. Groups and individuals, including many non-religious or atheist movements, increasingly raise their voices in support of Bishop Gene Robinson’s argument that if religion has been the biggest obstacle to full equality and dignity for LGBTI people, it can also make the biggest contribution to changing the situation.

Various movements and initiatives exist around the world who work on both promoting the positive role and combating the negative role of religions in the struggle for the rights of individuals to live free from discrimination on the basis of their Sexual Orientation or/and Gender Identity.

To contribute to addressing these challenges, the IDAHO Committee, the organisation promoting the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia worldwide , proposes to envisage an initiative that aims at taking advantage of the added political and media exposure that the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia provides to support and develop advocacy strategies around the issue of Religions, homophobia and Transphobia.

Arguments for the added value that the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia brings to advocacy strategies:
- It gets good media attention and provides an interesting moment to go public and talk to the media.
- It is a good opportunity to request political attention from policy makers.
- It generates mainstream social attention and allows getting messages out to constituencies that are outside of the “usual” LGBTI/Human Rights circles. It may therefore increase the public campaigning potential around LGBT issues, including through the mobilisation of social networks.
- Through the common focus on one Day, it allows joint initiatives to take place. It helps build perennial alliances around a cause.

It is proposed that the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia in both 2010 and 2011 are used as campaigning moments over this issue.

2 Outline of an initiative focusing on the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia

Following some early exchanges between the IDAHO Committee, and some members of the religious LGBTI organisations, the following arguments/elements for an initiative were highlighted :

The objective of the initiative would be to expose and discuss how religion and politics in many countries are intertwined in such a way that religion poses a political problem for the LGBTI. To discuss about this matter honestly and directly and to discuss the role of religion in society especially the role it plays with regards to LGBTI people.

Although the Day is focused on fighting homophobia and transphobia, its spirit should be to engage into mutually respectful dialogue and strategy, and not in a confrontational approach that would (in this case) consider religious movements as our “enemies”. A strategy around the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia shall focus on the positive contributions that religious movements can have to create a safer and more inclusive environment (focusing on the essence and roots of religions). It shall in part expose and oppose the negative impact of religious fundamentalist discourses but shall mainly be about highlighting the alternative to these discriminatory positions. The language around this initiative should be “FOR” not “against”. This initiative shall raise the profile of those religious leaders and communities who are working for inclusion, religious people who usually tend to be marginalized within the Churches themselves, also to raise the profile of Gay Affirmative Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and other places of worship.

As is always the case for the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, each participant should develop their own activities as they feel useful and feasible in their own context. Yet, coming together over some common actions brings a clear added value. We therefore suggested two directions :

1) Developing and disseminating an international Appeal to Religions, that organisations can endorse but also circulate to their audiences. The aim is to gather as many signatures as possible from citizens, politicians, intellectuals, and of course Religious leaders.

2) Organising national dialogue initiatives around this issue, preferably including the progressive religious leaders, in order to promote a positive and constructive participation of religions in the Human Rights debate.

For further information please contact Joel Bedos jbedos@idahomophobia.org or Louis Georges Tin tinluigi@aol.com

UPR Eritrea

2010-03-17T03:11:00.000-07:00

United Nations Human Right Council 13th Session
Geneva, 15th to 19th March 2010.
UPR Eritrea – Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network

Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay

Mr President

I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network and Pan Africa ILGA.

An issue of serious concern raised during the UPR of Eritrea relates to the criminalization of consensual same-sex conduct under article 600 Penal Code of 1957. Such provisions are a violation of established international human rights law and a major threat to public health.

In response to recommendations to repeal this provision, the Eritrean government has responded that these recommendations are in “conflict with the values and traditions of the Eritrean people”. While we appreciate the sensitivity of the issues, we remind the government that its primary obligation is to respect international law.

Treaty bodies have repeatedly affirmed that laws criminalising homosexuality violate international rights to privacy and non-discrimination. As the High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has also emphasized: “there remain all too many countries which continue to criminalize sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex in defiance of established human rights law.” A resolution unanimously adopted at the NGO Forum to the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights in November 2009 urges States to “comply with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights by repealing laws which criminalize sexual conduct between consenting adults of the same sex”.

The current law is likely to exacerbate incidents of harassment, abuse, arbitrary arrests and unlawful detentions of homosexual people. As UNAIDS has noted, such laws also pose a threat to public health as they frustrate the important work of creating access to HIV prevention and awareness programmes for men who have sex with men.

We therefore urge the Eritrean government;

• To repeal all legislative provisions which criminalize sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex; and
• To take measures to recognise and protect the rights of sexual and gender minorities, and extend its HIV intervention programs to include same-sex practicing people.

Thank you very much Mr President.

Prayer And Praise in London 6th May, 630pm

2010-02-26T04:38:00.000-08:00

Prayer And Praise in London 6th May 2010 @ House Of Rainbow Fellowship, 6.30pm, call 0208558 3485 or 07507510357 for more info, visit www.houseofrainbow.org

House Of Rainbow at the Gay Film Festival

2010-02-22T01:37:00.000-08:00

HOUSE OF RAINBOW AT THE LONDON GAY FILM FESTIVAL

Diary Of UK Events with Rev Jide Macaulay Feb/Mar 2010

2010-02-18T06:49:00.000-08:00

Diary of UK Events with Rev Jide Macaulay

February/March 2010.

a) 20th February 2010 @2-6pm
William Morris LGBT Forum, Unity Hall Bramley Close London E17.

b) 24th February 2010, @10.30am
Open Discussion with Rev Jide Macaulay
Care Quality Commission
Finsbury Tower
103-105 Bunhill Row
London EC1Y 8TG

www.cqc.org.uk

AND

LAUNCH OF ILGA INTERACTIVE WEBSITE @ 2pm
The Auditorium
BT Centre, 81 Newgate Street
London EC1A 7AJ

c) 25th February 2010, @6.30pm
Trafficking of African Children to the UK
Attlee Suite in Portcullis House
House Of Common SW1

d) 27th February 2010, 12noon to 4pm
Hate Crime Awareness and Reporting Event
Walthamstow Town Square London E17

AND

St Barnabas Church Cultural Evening @6pm
Foster Hall
St Barnabas Road London E17

e) 28th February 2010, @4-8pm
GAY Africa, Free Word Centre Farringdon
60 Farringdon Road London EC1R 3GA

f) 1st March 2010, @7pm
Meet Rev Elder Diane Fisher the Regional Elder for Region 4,
Metropolitan Community Church of South London

g) 4th March 2010, @6.30-8pm
House Of Rainbow Monthly Fellowship

h) 21st March 2010, @4.50pm. The House Of Rainbow at the
24th BFI London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival

Homosexuality in Nigeria By the Economist

2010-02-15T05:12:00.000-08:00

Homosexuality in Nigeria

http://www.economist.com/world/middleeast-africa/displaystory.cfm?story_id=15503420

Go online if you're glad to be gay
One church’s answer to rampant homophobia
Feb 11th 2010 | LAGOS | From The Economist print edition

ONCE a fortnight, 50 or so Nigerians furtively log on for an online Bible study class. “This is the only way we can worship because of the stigma,” says one of them. The reason for the secrecy is that the participants, ranging from students to married men, are gay. To go to a mainstream church in Nigeria would risk beatings or even a forced exorcism. So hundreds are turning to House of Rainbow, Nigeria’s only gay-friendly church, which is flourishing online after almost meeting a violent end two years ago.

Many Nigerians strongly disapprove of homosexuality. The dominant role of religion is widely seen as the root of the country’s homophobic culture. Punishing gays is one of the few common themes that politicians can promote with equal zest in the mainly Christian south and the largely Muslim north. Under federal law sodomy is punishable by a 14-year jail sentence. An even more stringent bill to ban gay-rights groups and homosexual displays of affection is also under consideration.

It is a similar story in many other parts of Africa. Uganda, influenced by evangelical Christianity, has provoked an international outcry over a still harsher bill that advocates the death penalty in certain cases of gay sex, for instance when one partner is HIV-positive. Barack Obama recently called the bill “odious”. In Malawi two men have gone on trial for gross indecency after holding a “traditional engagement ceremony”. The judge refused bail on the grounds that their release might provoke mob violence.

The founder of House of Rainbow, Rowland Jide Macaulay, a gay Nigerian pastor, knows all about anti-gay intimidation. Two years after he set up his church in Lagos in 2006, the project was brought to a halt. Members of his congregation had been beaten and sometimes raped as they left Sunday services in order—said their assailants—to “correct their sexuality”. After receiving death threats Mr Macaulay fled to Britain, from where he now preaches via YouTube.

Undaunted, he is now seeking funds in the West. He wants to start hairdressing and fashion courses to complement Bible study. The exclusion of gays from Nigeria’s mainstream churches can limit their educational chances. Mosques and churches often perform the duties of a state that has all but collapsed in many parts of the country. Muslim movements such as Izala build schools in the north, while Pentecostal groups have set up universities in the south. As Anthony, a 27-year-old bisexual living in Lagos, says: “In Nigeria the church is not just about a spiritual lift...they run our [social] services. If they say ‘We don’t want you’, where do you go?”

Archbishop Says Sorry to Gays

2010-02-15T04:46:00.000-08:00

Archbishop Says Sorry to Gays

Gay Africa Events in London

2010-02-15T04:42:00.000-08:00

Gay Africa Events in London

There Is More To Life Than Increasing Its Speed

2010-01-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

23rd January 2010

“There Is More To Life Than Increasing Its Speed”

Life is only on track, you cannot fast forward nor rewind, I do believe you can learn from the past and if we admit that we are prone to making mistakes and willing to make corrections, there is more to life in the slow lane. We must slow to savour the present and I have learnt to slow down by engaging with the realities in my life and be able to accept that many questions will be unanswered.

If you are extremely hard on yourself as I have been in the past or ignore the realities of taking care of yourself and attending to your personal needs, including physical and emotional, you increased the speed of life.

Part of my routine now is to take time not just to pray but to let down all the pressures of life and do nothing but relax. I am determined to take time to enjoy life regardless of its realistic hardship and uncertainty. Life whether we like it or not will present hardship, ignorance of the people and world around us, statements would be made that are injurious and risky to our well being People will slander and label us, it’s part of my experience I am willing to acknowledge, but yet I am not deterred, but to note that there is more to life.

Increasing the speed of life leads to major complications, frustration, health and relationship will become the casualty of the mad race.

More love more power,
Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay

Ask Rev Jide Part One

2010-01-23T12:22:00.000-08:00

Ask Rev Jide Macaulay

Part One

http://www.youtube.com/HouseOfRainbow

The above link will take you to House Of Rainbow online video messages, for information and my response.

Question: Was Homosexuality Made?

Dear Rev Jide Macaulay,

I am a born again Christian and I agree with you that God made all people. Without God none of us would be here. Through Jesus everything was made that was made. But homosexuality was not made. I am not trying to argue I just want to understand your logic in this matter and why you think that Jesus the holy one, the king of kings, the saviour of the world, the righteous one, the only true God, the epitome of perfection would create something that he calls an abomination. By saying what you have said sir I believe that you have blasphemed the name of God. You said in one of your videos that you wouldn't ignore the scriptures condemning homosexuality so what do you have to say about Leviticus 18:22 or what about Leviticus 20:13 or even 1Corinthians 6: 9-11? Now you said that the Bible is a wonderful book and truly I agree. Now I don't believe that God hates homosexuality, but I do know that he does not condone homosexual behaviour. Please reply back. I want to hear your opinion on these scriptures. James Okocha

Dearly Beloved James,

Thanks for your note.

First there are more Laws in Leviticus than just the two verses on homosexuality, if we must condemn homosexuality then we must condemn many other things as well, such as planting two crops in the same field, eating catfish, and pork, the wearing of prescription glasses, we must also alienate and kill those who commit adultery, what people have done over the centuries and decades is to systematically select what soothes them, I am sure you will agree with me that it is suicide to argue with those who are prepared to douse me in petrol and set me ablaze in the name of protecting their religion.

The story of the woman Jesus saved from the stone clenching men on the issues of adultery addresses many things for me, She was said to have been caught in the act of adultery if this was the case where was the man she committed adultery with, MEN don’t like to see other men being treated like women and this makes homosexuality a problem. If it was such a huge problem please note Jesus never said anything about it, I will recommend, I hope in your quest to learn more, please spend some time online at www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.org, here there are various illustration on the issues of biblical evidence on same sex in the bible, they are compelling and require that we think logically to form our own opinion, What would Jesus do? Is another question that we must ask ourselves, if anything at all Jesus said we must love our neighbour as our self? You have quoted also Corinthians, carefully read this and note that verse 11 is the response to the first two verses (9 &10).

Just like the alienation of homosexuality the same bible was used to alienate women and even in some parts of the world especially developing nations women priest still remain banned from ordination, the bible was used to defend slavery and misogyny, it was also used to support the ban on Interracial marriages, thankfully Obama’s parents escaped the wrath of these outrageous laws and he was able to live to tell the tale.

I am a Christian and also born again, I am not angry nor wicked in my soul, who wishes to live in this world filled with so much hatred towards fellow humans, I do what I do because I believe and I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt in my heart, soul and mind on the purpose of God for LGBT people, to also be included in the love of God and that we make room for all people at the communion table of God, I believe in the rapture and final judgement of God, I believe that when we are all done on earth we will stand before God on judgement day and I am convinced in my heart that I will make heaven.

It is true God does not hate homosexuals, God hate the interpretation of men that alienates gay people and place them outside the religious communities, I hope you recall, Jesus said what we eat doesn’t defile us but what comes out of our mouth, the words of many people on my video blog who claimed they are Christians question my knowledge of their God, but assures me of the loving and everlasting God I have come to know. if God is as angry as these people I am sure we will relive the Old Testament days, but thankfully Jesus love ended that pain and that is why I believe that Gay people like myself are loved by God. And we need to respond in that universal unconditional love.

Sexuality was not made, neither heterosexual or homosexuality was made, it was given, and what we do with it is important, even if we believe that heterosexuality is the correct way, aren’t you appalled by rape, and child molestation/abuses, are these the standard, what we say is that we should all be in communion with God and fellow humans and cherish the God given nature that we have whether it’s being gay or straight.

I have written so much and there is a danger I might have missed your point, if you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to write me at ramacaulay@hotmail.com.

God Bless
Rev Jide Macaulay

LGBT History Month in UK

2010-01-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

My Father My Faith and My Sexuality Part Three

2010-01-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

My Father, My Faith and My Sexuality PART THREE

My friends, brothers and sisters in Stellenbosch have begun the celebration and it was my joy to be woken up and be greeted on this joyous day. Thank you God. Just before breakfast on the 4th November, I went to my dad’s room where we prayed intensely for the love and blessing of God, I felt it, I received it and I claimed it. The day started at the conference with greetings for my birthday, many lovely notes and greetings followed, the day was joyful, as the evening approached, and we got ready for the short trip to Moyo Restaurant, a typified South African joint, its style of the dishes were robust, from vegetables to bush meat, eat till you drop, the kitchen was huge and the serving area was buffet style, there were musicians and dancers everywhere to keep you entertained, we opened several bottles of wine and dance till it was time to return to the hotel, at the hotel the party continued with scores of drinks bought at the bar by friends and well wishers, I was contained with jubilation and love. The night was over and it was time to hit the sack.On the 5th November I was invited to say a prayer at the closing Devotion which was led by Bishop David Russell, this honour to serve with a retired Anglican Bishop was not only invigorating but enlivening to the glory of God.

I reproduce the text of my prayer below;“Holy One, Precious God, Our Father, Dearest Mother, God of inclusive love, we thank you, for we know that, this first African Dialogue on Sexuality and Spirituality is about winning souls, this first African Dialogue on Sexuality and Spirituality is about the healing of broken vessels, this first African Dialogue on Sexuality and Spirituality is about gathering of the lost sheep.We thank you Jesus, we thank you for your wasteful generosity of patience, we thank you for your wasteful generosity of boldness, we thank you for your wasteful generosity of compassion, and we thank you for your wasteful generosity of faith, hope and love.We pray that our faith will move mountains, the way forward shall be filled with hope, who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, no, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Jesus who loved us.

For we are convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ our Lord.Go in the peace and love of God and everyone present would say Amen, Amen.”

Shortly after the morning devotion, I was invited to take part in a pre press conference meeting to finalise the text of the final draft of the press statement. At 2pm after lunch we were ready for the South African Media.

I shared the panel with the Director of IAM, Rev Pieter and the Director of TRP Madelene, Bishop Christopher from Uganda. The experience was extremely positive and a further in-depth interview ensued.Our brief time was soon at end and departing was more painful, big hugs and kisses of good bye was challenging, but we departed at Cape Town Terminals knowing that God had full and total control of the future, which is filled with hope for all lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and intersex Christians.

My Father My Faith and My Sexuality Part Two

2010-01-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

My Father, My Faith and My sexuality PART TWO

I became attached to my father and we spent quality time together, he has always been my greatest mentor, a sole motivator of my thinking. A joy to call him father, brother and friend. We spoke about the past in order to look into the future and appreciated the present time. After dinner we said our good nights and I went to join a few people for an extended social time.On the 3rd November, it was the day of the first step into the conference on dialogue, Devotion with praise, worship and prayer opened the day, the peculiarity of fear came upon me, as we received guidance on how best to approach dialogue, assuredly it was the first time I felt that I would not need to debate, argue, dispute, disagree, be confrontational, there was an overwhelming willingness to listen, hold, touch, watch, speak honestly, the dialogue between professional biblical scholars and the simplicity of sexual minority people, we dined together, we laughed, we comforted each other soothing away as much pain as we can.

I sensed the Holy Spirit was there, I knew certainly in my mind that Jesus looked with favour and I heard him say “Thank you to all participants, for you are doing this to me”Three speakers spoke from the heart, about the challenges of Faith, Culture and Human Rights, each settled amicably without judgement, all the people listened. After the first session of the dialogue, which required that we identify the stumbling blocks to dialogue, the six colourful groups had time to interact, the barriers are coming down, we are on the journey to breaking down walls, and building up hope.

Without any harshness, people’s mind are reconciling, one lesbian woman spoke of her joy that her father was here, her father responded; I too echoed with a joyful heart for the presence of my father at the dialogue, the support and love of these parents were immeasurable. After dinner, myself and my father had a wonderful time reflecting on the day.4th November, so many things came into my mind today, first it was my 44th birthday, and last year, it was the American Presidential election date, which elected Obama. Whilst the American experience brought change for the Americans, I am experiencing so much personal changes in my life, change which includes love from my own heart, the beauty of God’s holiness, accepting the burden of a pioneer for change, the passion for the inclusive love of Christ gospel, my congregation, my own self created families, at home in Nigeria and abroad.

The joy of knowing that God stands with me and will lift me up in times of trouble and protect me through fires and burning rage, my entire being loving God, was part of that change. I look forward to this day more in the tranquillity of Jesus increasing love and also clarity of my visions, missions and goals, thanks you Jesus. I know that when we lean on God with faith, mountains will move, valleys will be exalted, and Praises will fill the heaven and the earth.

My Father My Faith and My Sexuality Part One

2010-01-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

My Father, My Faith and My Sexuality PART ONE;

This short note is to embrace my journey of hope as an African child, a devout Christian, a leader, who also happens to be gay. For many years whilst I struggle to find a place to reconcile my dignity in faith and sexuality, the first dialogue on sexuality and spirituality ignites hope for many in Stellenbosch South Africa, November 2009.

This note finally serves as a beacon of hope for the future and I invite you to share this hope with me and many on this journey.It was the 31st October and yet another trip to South Africa, this time visiting and attending a conference in Stellenbosch. My excitement was multi-fold, first attending a conference on an anticipated dialogue about Christianity and Sexual Orientation with many African people, amongst my joy is also meeting my father whom I was forced to leave behind in Nigeria in September 2008, aftermath of my experience with the Nigerian media’s unethical reporting of our church, House Of Rainbow Nigeria, a mission I lead that welcomes and affirm sexual minorities.

I arrived in Cape Town on the 1st November after a long but interesting overnight direct flight from London Heathrow, the weariness of the flight was less of a concern as all my thoughts and energy focussed on meeting my father. I was met at the airport by John and Telwin both very courteous host of the conference.I had time after I checked in to my hotel in Stellenbosch to make the 1 hour 10 minutes train journey to Cape Town to join my friends, brothers and sisters for worship at Good Hope MCC Cape Town, listening the Rev Greg Andrews a visiting minister, I was reminded of the joy of being part of an inclusive ministry, a mission we take for granted in many parts of the West but extremely essential in Africa, sharing blessings at Communion was a joy.

A ministry that challenges us not just to celebrate the Open and inclusive Holy Communion and love of Christ but to also take that love to the end of the earth, come to the table and be filled with love and take that love to the people out there, echoed Revd Andrews. I took time after the service to reflect on my time in prayers. I was delighted to be amongst friends. Revd Pressley drove me back to my hotel accompanied with three others. What a joy in my soul.After breakfast on the 2nd November, I left a message at reception to call me as soon as possible once my father arrived, my excitement was much as I embraced my father, we spoke unending over a few cups of Rooibos tea, and decaffeinated coffee, retracting our experiences and later had lunch, the conference registration was set about 4pm. Whilst my father arrived with his luggage missing, it wasn’t long before I offered him clothes from my wardrobe and it was just like happy times again, my shirt fitted him like my twin, I unpacked my bags with gifts I had got him from the UK.

I was anxious about the conference as it is about the focus of religion and sexuality, many people arrived from other nations in Africa, I was getting filled with anxiety on the outcome of the conference, I have prayed for this day and I believed firmly that God will guide us, will aid us and provide us with the knowledge to gain and break out of every chain. I am persuaded that nothing can separate us from the love of God and the relevance of our participation will be guided by the Holy Spirit. As the deer panted for the water, so my soul longs after God. This song was in my spirit and I begun to look at the situation for which dialogue was important, the discussion for the liberation of the Holy Scripture, the rescuing the word of God from wordmongers, to share insights from personal experiences and the lack of compassion. At the end of the 2nd November, I was so excited, I have met many people, all fine, all strange, all beautiful, all intellectual, all spiritual, there were some strangeness which exhume my own outlandish approach to life. I felt that since we are here we are determined to take the road and veer on the side that seek to be part of the solution and stop being part of the problem, my views were later shared by many.

An event in Waltham Forest LGBT History Month

2010-01-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

An event in Waltham Forest LGBT History Month

Prayer And Praise in London

2010-01-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

Uk Urged to Act on Malawi Arrests

2010-01-08T03:30:00.000-08:00

UK urged to act on Malawi arrests

Foreign Secretary receives OutRage! appeal for action Tatchell letter delivered to jailed men London, UK - 8 January 2010 British Foreign Secretary David Miliband is being urged to press the Malawian government to release two men, Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, who are being held on remand over their alleged homosexual relationship, to drop all charges against them and to repeal the country's anti-gay laws. Mr Miliband is also being asked to seek a halt to the arrest and prosecution of three Malawian human rights campaigners, who publicly defended the jailed men and secured them legal representation. The call comes from the London-based LGBT human rights group OutRage! Spokesperson, David Allison, has written to the Foreign Secretary, appealing to him to make representations to the President of Malawi, his Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. A copy of Mr Allison's letter follows below. Meanwhile a letter of "support and solidarity" from OutRage!'s Peter Tatchell is being delivered to Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga in Chichiri Prison, Malawi. The two men, who were arrested following their engagement ceremony late last year, are being held on remand on gay sex charges ahead of their trial on 15 January A copy of Mr Tatchell's letter follows below. For background on the Malawi arrests, see here:http://www.petertatchell.net/international/malawi-gay-marriage-trial-on-15-january.html Protest to the Malawian High Commissioner in London:His Excellency Dr. Francis Moto, High Commission of Malawi, 70 Winnington Road, London N2 0TX, United Kingdom. Telephone: +44(0) 20 8455 5624, Fax: +44(0) 20 3235 1066. Email: malawi@malawihighcommission.co.uk Further information: David Allison - 0208 240 0222Peter Tatchell - 0207 403 1790Gift Trapence, Executive Director of the Malawian human rights group CEDP+ (265) 888 50 9732directorcedep@yahoo.com Copy of the OutRage! letter to David Miliband MP, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband MPSecretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth AffairsKing Charles StreetLondon SW1A 2AH 6 January 2010 Dear Secretary of State, This letter is in support of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, citizens of Malawi, who are being held in custody in Chichiri Prison, Malawi, and denied bail, on charges of consenting adult homosexuality following their same-sex engagement ceremony. In doing so they have committed no criminal offence under the laws of Malawi. The ceremony is legal in Malawi and no laws were broken by the two participants. The news release below provides more comprehensive details about their case. We ask you to intercede with the President of Malawi, his Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to urge that these two men are not ill-treated while in prison, to urge that they are swiftly released on bail and to urge that all charges against them are dropped. We further ask you to press the Government of Malawi to initiate moves to decriminalise homosexuality in accordance with the equality and non-discrimination clauses of the Malawian constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. Finally, we ask that you call upon the Malawian government to halt police harassment and legal proceedings against HIV educators and human rights defenders from the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP); three of whose workers have recently been arrested following their public defence of Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga and following their HIV education work with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. I hope that you feel able to make these humanitarian representations to the leaders of Malawi and that you will advise us at your earliest opportunity. Thank you. David AllisonOutRage! - The LGBT Human Rights Campaign Copy of Peter Tatchell's message the jailed men, Tiwonge and Steven Dear Tiwonge and Steven, May 2010 bring you and all Malawians justice, freedom and equality. Congratulations on your courageous witness for gay human rights, as you battle for your right to be accepted, without discrimination. Millions of people around the world know about your arrest and detention. You have received worldwide news coverage. Stay Strong. We are with you in this period of trial and tribulation. You are inspirations to us all. We salute you. Take heart. You will win in the end. Justice and freedom will triumph. You follow in the footsteps of the Malawians who fought against colonialism and the South Africans who battled against apartheid. They were arrested and persecuted, but they were victorious eventually. Tell the judge that Malawi's anti-gay law was not devised by Malawians. It is was devised in London in the nineteenth century and imposed on the people of Malawi by the British colonisers and their army of occupation. Before the British came and conquered Malawi,there were no laws against homosexuality. These laws are a foreign imposition. They are not African laws. You are making history, and history will honour you. I send you love and solidarity! Peter Tatchell, OutRage! London, UK Donate to the Malawi Defence Campaign To make a donation from a UK bank within the UK, make an electronic bank transfer to OutRage! Account name: OutRage!Bank: Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank, Bootle, Merseyside, GIR 0AAAccount number: 7780 9302Sort code: 72-00-01 For electronic transfers from abroad, please ADDITIONALLY quote this: IBAN: GB65ALEI72000177809302 Or post a cheque payable to "OutRage!" to OutRage!, PO Box 17816, London SW14 8WT. Enclose a note giving your name and address and stating that your donation is for the Malawi Defence Campaign. OutRage! will pass the money donated to the LGBT campaign team in Malawi. Thank you. OutRage! - 0208 240 0222 and outrage@blueyonder.co.uk Further information: Gift Trapence, Executive Director of the Malawian human rights group CEDP directorcedep@yahoo.com + (265) 888 50 9732 Peter Tatchell, OutRage! peter@petertatchell.net 0207 403 1790
--www.petertatchell.net

Write to the Malawi Ambassador in Your Country

2010-01-08T03:28:00.000-08:00

Write to the Malawi Ambassador in Your Country

Hi All, Here is a draft letter that you can send to the Malawian Ambassador inyour country. You could also ask your national parliament and European parliamentrepresentative to write a letter of protest to the Malawian Ambassadorand to the President of Malawi. Thanks and best wishes,

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Dear Ambassador of Malawi, As you may know, the situation is urgent Malawi where two men, StevenMonjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, have been arrested and are in prisonon charges of homosexuality after they held a same-sex engagement ceremony(which is not illegal under Malawaian law). They face 14 years jail. The human rights defenders from the ngo CEDEP who supported them andfound them lawyers have been arrested too - though they have since beenbailed. Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga are due to stand trial nextFriday, 15 January. Can you please urge the urge the Government of Malawi to: 1. Ensure that the two jailed Malawian men, Steven Monjeza and TiwongeChimbalanga, are not ill-treated while in prison, that they areswiftly released on bail and that all charges against them aredropped. 2. Decriminalise homosexuality in accordance with the equality andnon-discrimination clause 20 of the Malawian constitution and theAfrican Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. 3. Cease police harassment and legal proceedings against HIV educatorsand human rights defenders from the Centre for the Development ofPeople (CEDEP); three of whose workers have recently been arrestedfollowing their public defence of Steven Monjeza and TiwongeChimbalanga and their HIV education work with lesbian, gay, bisexualand transgender people. Signed ENDS