Nairobi — The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya has threatened to sever ties with the mother body in America over gay relationships.

The ELCK archbishop, Reverend Walter Obare, described homosexuality as ungodly. He called on churches in Africa to unite and reject influences from the West to adopt strange marriage relations that were contrary to biblical teachings.

The Kenyan church was reacting to a decision made by the American church during an assembly on August 21 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, allowing the clergy in same-gender sexual relationships to continue with pastoral work.

Dissociate itself

Speaking during the 42nd general assembly of the ELCK at the Kapenguria Bible Centre in West Pokot, the archbishop said the Kenyan church will dissociate itself from the American church if it fails to rescind the decision.

"We condemn in the strongest terms possible this unfortunate and anti-scriptural development in a church body that proclaims our saviour Jesus Christ as the bedrock of the holy church. The purpose of marriage is only fulfilled in a heterosexual life-long commitment," Rev Obare said.

The archbishop said the recent reappointment of Justice Aaron Ringera as Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission director was unprocedural. He urged President Kibaki to allow Parliament to vet the office holders to make the institution independent and get public support in fighting graft.