Between faith and persecution: the struggle of the LGBTQ+ church in Kenya
Text by Sarah Hurtes, published in The New York Times (United States) on December 29, 2024. Freely translated by the volunteers of the Gionata project.
For almost a decade, the only church of Kenya guided and frequented by LGBTQ+ people had to face continuous movements and persecutions. Vandals attacked the first meeting place, a center for sex workers, according to the members of the community.
When they moved to Nairobi Central Park, the police arrested several faithful. A city structure denied them access and, on another site, they were targeted by the neighbors with stones.
After ten movements in as many years, the community has finally found a safe refuge. However, the position remains secret.
A recent Sunday afternoon, along a deserted road, almost a hundred faithful gathered in a protected room, where the entrance was controlled by members of the church. During the sermon, the shepherd spoke with passion, and the tears flowed free among those present.
"The family can abandon you, and the Church you attend may not understand your path, even going so far as to demonize you," predicted the shepherd, while a murmur of consent crossed the assembly.
"But today," he proclaimed with conviction, "I found a place for you in the Bible. Let's praise the Lord! "
"Amen," the congregation replied in chorus, with energy and emotion.
Many faithful present had left their countries of origin, where being LGBTQ+ is so dangerous that it can be fatal. This weekly meeting is a refuge for them, an opportunity to pray freely and celebrate both faith and one's identity.
Despite the increase in tensions in Africa towards LGBTQ+people, this church has survived and has continued to grow, becoming a symbol of strength and hope.
Original text: Deduced Attacks, an underground church for lgbtq africans thrrives
