The leader of Uganda’s Anglican Church said Justin Welby, who recently stepped down as Archbishop of Canterbury, caused a split in the global Anglican community.
Welby resigned on Tuesday, admitting he failed to properly investigate abuse allegations involving a volunteer at Christian summer camps many years ago.
The Church of Uganda has had disagreements with the Church of England over its stance on homosexuality and said it no longer trusted Welby after his handling of certain issues.
Ugandan Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba stated that Welby’s inability to follow the traditional teachings on marriage and family led to a deep division within the Anglican Communion.
Kaziimba also expressed his sadness over the church’s failure to address the abuse carried out by John Smyth, a prominent figure, saying it was due to church leadership’s refusal to act. The Ugandan church leader, who supports Uganda’s strict anti-homosexuality law, accused foreign activists of trying to force homosexuality onto Uganda.
Welby had previously opposed Uganda’s anti-homosexuality law, which punishes some same-sex acts severely, including the death penalty. This law has widespread support in Uganda, but it has faced criticism from Western countries, and the U.S. has imposed sanctions, including travel bans.
The Church of Uganda has about 36% of the country’s 46 million people as members, while Catholics are the majority.
(Reuters)