- Stay Connected
Socialize
Why Not Gay Rights? Priest’s View
April 4, 2013 marked 45 years after Martin Luther King’s assassination. During King’s time, blacks were an inferior race. King, like other religious leaders had a choice – protect the status quo or challenge it. He chose the latter, and it cost his life. His name is celebrated today, in his time, however, his fellow pastors where his vicious critics. His “Letter from Birmingham Jail” was a response to his critics who called his activities “unwise and untimely.” “In every situation,” so Dr. King wrote, “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”Alas the discrimination against blacks was justified with selected versus from the Bible.
I had just attended a Church service dedicated to Dr. King, when I read Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia, Executive Director, Pukuta Mwanza’s and Police Spokesperson Elizabeth Kanjela sentiments on gays. As a priest, I want to respond to their positions.
The government media’s attempts to present gays as evil is shameful. Rev Mwanza claimed that homosexuality is against “fundamental Christian values, as well as African and traditional beliefs and practices,” and that democracy means the “interest of the majority must supersede those of the minority.” I think this argument is flawed. Christian and African values, like all values, change over time. Democracy does not always mean denial of minority rights. From Nazi German to Rwanda, we have seen how such thinking can destroy a nation and people’s lives.
The European Union is not promoting homosexuality but asking us to respect the humanity of sexual minorities – they are humans created in the image of God. Friends, there are some things we don’t understand. In December 2012, I met a Zambian at the United Nations. We spent days speaking and sharing meals until he asked me – “Kapya, do you know that I am a woman?” My answer was, “no way!” She then showed me her passport, and for sure, she was a transgendered woman. He then asked me, “Do you know what it means for me to live in Zambia. I can’t use male toilets and neither can I use female ones without being accompanied by friends.”
That encounter took me back to the South African Olympic medalist, Caster Semenya – whose gender was contested and raised so much solidarity across Africa. Then I remembered one ZNS officer in Luamfumu, Mansa during the 1980s - we called her Christine cibula mobile (Christine without breast). She was male and she would cry aloud, asking why God created her a woman when she was a man. All these events led to question whether God makes mistakes after all.
I believe God does not make mistakes – but we, the people do. Just as discrimination of lepers, crippled, blind persons, blacks, women, and slaves were once justified, today we laugh at such actions. Moral values change with knowledge and experience, madam Kanjera. Not long ago, as a woman, you would not be allowed to serve in the police service. Likewise, twins were treated as evil while kids whose top teeth came out first were killed - finkula. Today, we wonder what our people were thinking. Yet in those days, such actions were defended as traditional African values. Madam Senjela, “Unnatural Offences of Section 155, 156 and 158 CAP 87 of the Laws of Zambia are not “African”all. They are products of colonial rule. Early missionary writings show that Europeans were traumatized when Africans considered homosexuality amoral.
I am aware that Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 reads, ‘If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death.” Romans 1:24 -27 and the story of Sodom and Gomorrah are often used to justify the criminalization of gays. Aside from various complexities associated with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the flood of Noah was not due to gays.
That aside, Leviticus 19:19 also reads: ‘Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed. Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.” Leviticus 19: 27 is more interesting, “‘Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.” Letivicus 20:27, adds, ‘A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death,’ while verse 10 says, ‘If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife — both the adulterer and the adulteress are to be put to death.’ If you know your Bible, you will understand that Jesus confronted this verse in John 8:1-11 by appealing to peoples’ consciences about adultery- anyone without sin should stone her. You know the rest. Paul’s letters are also clear – women are inferior to men and must remain silent – after all they sinned. As for slaves, they must obey their masters.
I believe the Bible is God’s word, but human knowledge and context affect how we apply and interpret it. I guess the Rev. Mwanza shaves and cuts his hair. He also wears clothes made from two kinds of materials and will never justify slavery or killing of children who disobey their parents. He would not support executing n’gangas or those caught in adultery even when the Bible says so. Under Sharia law, women are stoned to death for adultery – and we Christians oppose such laws as inhumane due to our conviction that every human being, regardless of what s/he has done or become, is sacred before God.
Gay issues are emotional but the truth is, gays have been part of human history. In his book, African Christian Ethics, Samuel Waje Kunhiyop, Nigerian professor at South African Theological Seminary –an Evangelical college, argues that it is factually false to claim Africa had no gays. On page 304, he gives an example of yan daudu (gays) who paraded the streets annually as late as the 1970s in Nigeria. In Uganda, Kabaka Mwanga was gay long before Christianity and he is the reason we have African martyrs of Uganda – they were killed for refusing to have sex with their King upon conversion to Christianity.
Friends, gays may be sinners but they have rights too. I may believe drunkards will go to hell and that women are inferior to men but that does not justify the denial of their rights. I may consider smoking evil but to persecute smokers is wrong. Nobody is promoting homosexuality – we have gays in our midst. They might be hiding but they are our brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends, workmates and fellow citizens. They attend church, sing in our choirs, tithe and in some cases they are pastors and priests. But they cry, fall in love, bleed and die too.
Please let us live to disagree but never sacrifice our common humanity. African gays will not get their rights without a fight – but those who understand their plight will stand with them until their rights are realized. As for now, let us preach love and mercy, for God is love. Judgment belongs to God – who will punish those of us who shave, cut our hair, mix colors, allow women to speak, eat pork, divorce, lie, gossip and of course, drink and smoke. No wonder we are saved by grace!
Reverend Kapya Kaoma
Posted by
ukapya
April 8, 2013 at 9:14 am
galu,imbwa foolsake iwe u dirty minded chap ,truly i believe that religion has been misunderstood.
Makes sense
April 9, 2013 at 7:53 am
Ironically your post demonstrates that religion has been misunderstood – by you!, I’m sorry but I have to laugh!
Mwana Mfumu
April 8, 2013 at 9:22 am
Reverend Kapya Kaoma must check what god her serves. We are not interested in such foolishness. He him go to Euroup where they allow gay priests. Gays are way below pigs
Pa zed
April 8, 2013 at 9:25 am
Please, tell us which church you are at as “priest” and what you do for your living! Only then am I going to understand your passion for gays.
Makes sense
April 9, 2013 at 7:50 am
A priest is someone who dedicates his life to the service of God through his fellow man.
This man is doing exactly that.
T-man
April 8, 2013 at 9:32 am
Hnstly i neva thot it wud kum 2 ths,wr pipo wud b tokn on bhlf of these mentaly disturbd individuals who call thmslvs gay.i say lie 2 them bastards tht ur tkn thm 4 a summit smwr in the uk os usa,put thm on a plane as many as u cn gt en then dump thm idiots in the pacific or indian ocean.surely thts the bst u cn do 4 thm since thrz no cure 4 being gay.
PIKE
April 8, 2013 at 9:43 am
iwe chikala ndiwe imbwa maningi.
Genaro the Analyst
April 8, 2013 at 9:50 am
How many tyms shud i say shariya law is the only solution, u pipo in thiS country ar 2relaxed in afgan we cut off the necks en giv em forgv em so priest forward yo numb en we ll 4gv u too! analysed
Genaro the Analyst
April 8, 2013 at 9:54 am
How many tyms shud i say shariya law is the only solution, u pipo in thiS country ar 2relaxed in afgan we cut off the necks en giv em forgv em so priest forward yo numb en we ll 4gv u too! analyse
Jack Malama
April 8, 2013 at 2:57 pm
Shariya is the way to go. In Zambia we r too much into adultery and fornication. Hotels, lodges and guest houses even have rates for people just having sex. And it goes on in broad day light.
WARDO
April 8, 2013 at 9:54 am
Bye people, I guess it just had to be said. Talk cyber space internet news, who controls this media and how are they funded? ask yourself and compare the rhetoric from the so, called reverand.
Daniel Munkombwe
April 8, 2013 at 9:59 am
Foolish reverend.Sick reverend.Insane reverend.Satanic reverend.***** reverend.****** reverend.homosexual reverend.cursed reverend.demonic reverend.And finally,coward reverend because you have hidden the identity of your church. you are very ******.
gaysbian killer
April 8, 2013 at 10:03 am
honestly u tryna turn me into a murderer cz if i see these demented n deranged peoples in the streets holding hands or making up i swear il use the nearest libwe next to me il make sure just like them i also enjoy my killer rights
WHY
April 8, 2013 at 10:08 am
Y do u even talk about Gays? If something is turb it must not be talked about. Shame on the priest!!! The more u talk about this the more u make it popular and everyone will think it’s normal to be Gay. Madness.
Makes sense
April 9, 2013 at 7:45 am
So the priest should not address issues that are difficult and need resolution? Then what’s he there for? Maybe you’d like to provide an approved list of things (easy, pleasant and irrelevant) that he should dedicate his life to? Hmmmm?
profet
April 8, 2013 at 10:23 am
Foolish Reverand tell us your sexual orientation, that wat i will support.
Firebrand
April 8, 2013 at 10:35 am
Imwe bonse ma haters, how does a gay relationship between two consenting adults affect you personally?
Mioto Longa
April 8, 2013 at 10:54 am
Perhaps you should also recognize drunkards and people who are psychologically criminally inclined because it is not their fault that they get drunk and pilfer respectively. You should also stop preaching against sin because sinners after all were made in the image of God.Can you also give rights to prostitution! You need to accept that you are not a Christian and this is why you have not commented on Romans 1:26,27. I see that you are on the way to recognize adultery and give it full tights! WHAT A REVEREND!
El profeta
April 8, 2013 at 12:01 pm
Iwe chi priest if you gat nothing to say go masturbate instead of talking shit no body is interested in gay people and stop encouraging them to come out in the open we gonna kill them if the government is against this what more us stop miss quoting the bible.
Kalungu wa Lubemba
April 8, 2013 at 12:46 pm
The Rev has a demented mind!
it is appointed
April 8, 2013 at 12:52 pm
My free advise : These are days when you should be suprised to find a “christian” exhibiting Our Lord Jesus footprints.Narrow is the way that leads to eternal life.
Blessed be the almighty God of Abraham .
Nakasangana
April 8, 2013 at 2:29 pm
“That encounter took me back to the South African Olympic medalist, Caster Semenya – whose gender was contested and raised so much solidarity across Africa. Then I remembered one ZNS officer in Luamfumu, Mansa during the 1980s – we called her Christine cibula mobile (Christine without breast). She was male and she would cry aloud, asking why God created her a woman when she was a man.” I remember Ba “Christine”, it took time to get used to seeing her in our “B Coy Baracks” but She was very much female and even started breading her hair. Luamfumu was for girs, so is the priest suddenly a woman or is it the woman who is now transgender priest, please clarify!
Sontra
April 8, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Priest from which church – why do men of (a god – in ths case)want 2 disgrace themselves lyk ths?
Nomba Linefye
April 8, 2013 at 5:59 pm
This priest from the story is a woman. The ZNS camp was for girls only, and this should have been 05 or 06 the last ZNS intake
whyson
April 8, 2013 at 3:38 pm
priest wamaebwa,galu, go to hell with your ass.chi brother cha lucifer.
Makes sense
April 9, 2013 at 7:29 am
You my dear, are Lucifer himself. (If he exists, that is)
Janet c
April 8, 2013 at 3:51 pm
Guys you are fighting a losing battle – gay rights are already here. Action by drunkard Lungu is just a political stint gays are everywhere – always have been and always will. Change always come with resistance remember even Jesus was condemned by the common man
jcool
April 8, 2013 at 4:11 pm
repent u dirty minded agent of the devil,no wonder catholic is being destroyed by such evil gays who claim to be servants of JESUS CHRIST,homosexuality is an abomination and no debate,if you are a priest preach repentance not evil,gays are not welcome in Zambia or we’ll kill them
Makes sense
April 9, 2013 at 7:34 am
Your post shows what a great practicing Christian you are (by the way, this is sarcasm). Honestly, read it back and see if you can reconcile the hatred in your words with what Christianity teaches. On a secular level, it is illegal to incite murder.
baptiste
April 10, 2013 at 9:47 am
from ur defense i can tell u ve been gay for a long time; now tell me how you manage to maintain your anus in shape i hear the more u are screwed the wider it becomes
GOY
April 8, 2013 at 4:22 pm
these are the last days when man will do do abnormal things and thev chosen are few mr reverand your way is hell i thought the clergymen understands the bible better than mere church goers shame on you stinking man
Mulundu
April 8, 2013 at 5:39 pm
What are we trying to achieve? My understanding of this debate is that just as thieves, adulterers etc should enjoy human rights so should gay people be accorded human rights what ever they might be. Mind you this is not promoting homosexuals but to respect their rights as human beings.
Mulundu
April 8, 2013 at 5:42 pm
jcool be sober, pls do not abuse the Catholic Church. There are many churches that use the title “Priest” to refer to their pastors or leaders.
Makes sense
April 9, 2013 at 7:37 am
I am catholic and would be very proud if this man is a catholic priest.
petå
April 8, 2013 at 6:19 pm
****** immoral priest.u nid 2 b arrested as well and u shud stop bin a priest.u sry excuse of a priest.how can u use God’s word 2 propaganda such nonsense.God neva gave Adam Evans bt God gave Adam Eve
Trywell Chifita
April 8, 2013 at 7:40 pm
Agent of the devil. Is he saying that we recognise all paedophiles?
we recognise and protect all thieves because they are born in God’s image?
We recognise all corruption because after all, this priest is a priest for the devil. By the way this act is common amongst priests in catholic what do you expect.
dnice
April 8, 2013 at 8:02 pm
My word!!! people on here are so biased against gay people. point of correction, the priest here is not promoting gays not at all. he is advocating for their rights and he has quoted the bible so rightly. hate him or love him, the priest has just hit the nail on the head
there is a lot of gay people in zed.
they are people who deserve their rights as human beings
elijah
April 8, 2013 at 8:36 pm
What rights do these gays want? they are already doing it. Obama is to blame for all this Gay rights crap. The whole world follows America blindly
Deacon Bwalya - Lusaka
April 8, 2013 at 9:47 pm
I feel pity for the people you preach to how possessed they are with your demons.
Unless you repent God will punish you for attempting to corrupt His name and mislead His flock.
Philos
April 9, 2013 at 5:27 am
Yes,thieves,criminals,adulterous etc are human beings who need to hav their rights respected,but is stealing a human right?or can we term killing, adultery human rights?More so sadism(sexual satisfaction only if partner is in pain to the extent of bleeding to death),masochism(sexual satisfaction by inflicting pain upon self), bestiality(man – animal),homosexuality?These are not human rights but SEXUAL DEVIATIONS,abnormal behaviours which need to be controlled for society to be NORMAL.That s why prisons,mental hospitals ar in place for suchh pipo.We lock thm 1st and respect their rites(i.e.food,clothng,sleepng etc) while in there!The Bible condemns Sodomy.Homosexuals may not be stoned to death today,BUT one biblical fact is that they are SPIRITUALLY DEAD,and if physical death meets up with them(i.e.if they do not reform b4 they die),ETERNAL DEATH will be their final reward!
Philos
April 9, 2013 at 5:31 am
Of course,thieves,criminals,adulterous etc are human beings who need to hav their rights respected,but is stealing a human right?or can we term killing, adultery human rights?More so sadism(sexual satisfaction only if partner is in pain to the extent of bleeding to death),masochism(sexual satisfaction by inflicting pain upon self), bestiality(man – animal),homosexuality?These are not human rights but SEXUAL DEVIATIONS,abnormal behaviours which need to be controlled for society to be NORMAL.That s why prisons,mental hospitals ar in place for suchh pipo.We lock thm 1st and respect their rites(i.e.food,clothng,sleepng etc) while in there!The Bible condemns Sodomy.Homosexuals may not be stoned to death today,BUT one biblical fact is that they are SPIRITUALLY DEAD,and if physical death meets up with them(i.e.if they do not reform b4 they die),ETERNAL DEATH will be their final reward!
KEO
April 9, 2013 at 6:31 am
Drunkards,fornicatas,adulterers,homos….if u choose any of these hell awaits u,you know the good thing about our creator is that he has given us free will he does not push anyone against the wall.Emphasis from the holy bible’take wat z of caeser to caeser n wat z of GOD to GOD’
Makes sense
April 9, 2013 at 7:23 am
Father Kapya you have restored my belief that there are true men of God out there. You have also shown courage in defending the rights of ALL God’s children. You are not alone. God bless and strengthen you!
loughs louder
April 9, 2013 at 9:19 am
it makes no sense to try n make sense using the gay nonsense.understood?
Clergy
April 9, 2013 at 9:47 am
It’s simple instead of fighting for those gay rights here just go to a country where those rights are accepted,in this situation you can end up missing people like gadafi,
Greg Kadimba
April 9, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Being gay is sick and its disgusting even to discuss this topic.!period
Greg Kadimba
April 9, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Makes sense you are a sick fargot biitch jst like that same son of a whoole of a priest.
Greg Kadimba
April 9, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Make sense,walitemwa ukutomba pamatako not us,damme mathatafaka!.Just go and fucck that priest instead of wasting our time.Stanyoko!
rebased
April 9, 2013 at 12:47 pm
How can one join moslem fellowship?
helsee
April 9, 2013 at 12:59 pm
“18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 WHEREFORE GOD ALSO GAVE THEM UP TO UNCLEANNESS THROUGH THE LUSTS OF THEIR OWN HEARTS, TO DISHONOUR THEIR OWN BODIES BETWEEN THEMSELVES:
25 WHO CHANGED THE TRUTH OF GOD INTO A LIE, AND WORSHIPPED AND SERVED THE CREATURE MORE THAN THE CREATOR, WHO IS BLESSED FOR EVER. AMEN.
26 FOR THIS CAUSE GOD GAVE THEM UP UNTO VILE AFFECTIONS: FOR EVEN THEIR WOMEN DID CHANGE THE NATURAL USE INTO THAT WHICH IS AGAINST NATURE:
27 AND LIKEWISE ALSO THE MEN, LEAVING THE NATURAL USE OF THE WOMAN, BURNED IN THEIR LUST ONE TOWARD ANOTHER; MEN WITH MEN WORKING THAT WHICH IS UNSEEMLY, AND RECEIVING IN THEMSELVES THAT RECOMPENCE OF THEIR ERROR WHICH WAS MEET.
28 AND EVEN AS THEY DID NOT LIKE TO RETAIN GOD IN THEIR KNOWLEDGE, GOD GAVE THEM OVER TO A REPROBATE MIND, TO DO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE NOT CONVENIENT;
29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection,
implacable, unmerciful:
32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”
~ Romans 1:18 – 32
lil nigga
April 9, 2013 at 1:47 pm
what an imbecile..you are trying to justify what’s is immoral, unacceptable in our African culture by twisting the truth. Deception is a sin and God will punish you for your unjustified lies..philos wise words my guy.
Shortcake
April 9, 2013 at 3:06 pm
Ba Tumfweko, why call the preacher man a Priest? He is not a Priest naimwe he is a pastor
SEKOPONOKE
April 10, 2013 at 8:05 am
He is a gay himself. Arrest this priest of a burger
Pingback: Is Speaking on Gay Rights a Crime in Sata’s Zambia? | Tumfweko
Pingback: Is Speaking on Gay Rights a Crime in Sata’s Zambia? | Tumfweko
Licolocolo
April 12, 2013 at 9:27 am
mother ******, all gays go to hell and **** this priest, three in one.it seems he is a qualified guay.
Pingback: Appeal to Zambia: End repressive anti-gay frenzy | 76 CRIMES