Archbishop Tutu Speaks On Human Rights for Gay People

Apologises for way Church ostracises gay and transgender people

SAN FRANCISCO, April 10, 2008 – Archbishop Desmond Tutu, arguably the most respected living Anglican (Episcopal), has condemned the persecution of gay and transgender people – and, apologised on behalf of his Church for ostracising gay men and women.

Speaking to a congregation of 500 in Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate said that speaking up for human rights was as important as the basic act of breathing.

He also challenged China to improve its human rights record on the eve of the US leg of the Olympic torch relay through the streets of San Francisco.

In his 30-minute address, Archbishop Tutu said that for his part it was impossible to keep quiet “when people were frequently hounded...vilified, molested and even killed as targets of homophobia...for something they did not choose-their sexual orientation” ...

http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Apr/1002.htm

Great speech - hope people listen!

I've read two of his books ("No Future Without Forgiveness" and "The Rainbow People of God"), and his writing about human rights is nonpareil. I hope some of his fellow Anglicans in Africa are listening to him. I wouldn't mind some of the leaders in my own denomination lending an ear, either.