By Toni Hines

Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay“Are black churches homophobic?” Yes. When Jide answered this question during our interview he looked at me dead in the eyes. He was calm, articulate and clear in what he had to say. There was no mincing of words as he was simply speaking from his personal experience. You see, Rowland ‘Jide’ Macaulay is a Black, Nigerian, Born-again Christian who openly admits to being gay. He is also an ordained reverend; a man of the cloth. He was once rooted in the Pentecostal church but left the flock disillusioned by the exclusive nature of its congregation. Now aged 40 and living in London , Jide is comfortable accepting who, he believes, he is - an African, gay Christian; a child of God.

The subject of homosexuality is rarely addressed in churches today, even more so the topic of gay/lesbian Christians. Most ministries refuse to accept that lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals can be Born-again Christians. The belief is you cannot profess to walk with Christ if you make a conscious decision to walk in ‘sin’. From many church pulpits there is constant reference to Biblical scriptures like Sodom and Gomorrah which they say illustrates the consequence of this ‘chosen lifestyle’. These sentiments are also echoed in the lyrics of some well-known Gospel songs.

Whether you agree with this or not the fact remains that LGBT communities are often condemned to ‘fire and brimstone’ damnation and ostracism. They are seen as the ultimate of all sinners – ahead of the adulterers, idolaters and gossipmongers. There have even been extreme cases of this 'non-acceptance' with arson attacks on gay-welcoming churches – one such example in Hawaii a few years ago, as reported on 365Gay.com.

The irony of the matter is that the hatred towards LGBT Christians is more likely to come from the black church which was once oppressed by the white community pre-civil rights days. Yet despite this history, the perceived bigotry from the black congregation remains and Jide’s experience is testimony to that.

“When I was growing up, there were no role models and no education about being gay,” explains Jide. “The church was the last place to raise this issue for fear of victimisation, isolation and exorcism. It is commonly said in Africa that ‘It is better to have the corpse of my child, than for me to accept that my child is gay’. Most families believe it is an abuse of traditional values and a sign of western sexual corruption and immorality. Some people even believe it’s a disability or result of occult activity.

"My father is a pastor and bible school lecturer and I was more afraid of his reaction than I was of God, which is not right. I was always aware of my sexual orientation and that I was attracted to boys and as a child I prayed to God to remove this feeling from me. It was a confusing time and I had so many questions in my mind. 'Was it a sickness? If I got married would I be healed?'"

A colourful collection of poems by Rowland JideAlthough he grew up in a Christian household, Jide re-dedicated his life to Christ and eventually joined a London Pentecostal church. It was there that he met a woman and after years of dating got married and had a son. Jide’s commitment to God led him to do a Masters degree in theology and was later ordained as a reverend in 1998. He also produced a book called Poetry Inspired in 2001 and carried his poetic ministry across the waters. But despite having a ‘normal’ life he was battling with his sexual orientation and eventually engaged in sexual relations with a man.

“I knew I had to separate from my wife at this point which was a painful, painful experience,” says Jide. “I told her everything. But it really got bad when she told the family and when the church got to know. However the important issue was my child. My sexual orientation has nothing to do with being a good father.”

Jide explained that the ‘out of the closet’ experience was also a battle of religious beliefs and cultural identity. He still loved the Lord but didn’t know of any support systems and so he looked for help in the gay community.

A pocket devotional written by Jide last year“I didn’t like myself and I wanted to be a whole person,” Jide explains. “However, I found a black gay and lesbian Christian fellowship in South London which I had visited before. They introduced me to the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) and I started to go there in 2002.”

Today, Jide is a part of the ministerial clergy of MCC North London. The church, which has many branches around the world – including parts of Africa – opens its doors to marginalised groups particularly the LGBT community.

Once again we are being faced with the problematic relationship of the Christian church and homosexuality. Comments on the issue from African statesmen and clergymen, especially African Anglican bishops, make headlines and the basic human rights of gays and lesbians continue to be violated.  

I am Nigerian, gay, a Christian theologian, a poet, self-published author, an educator in business and Christian education, and a confirmed and ordained pastor. I have a law degree and hold a master's degree in theology, I am self-employed as a business consultant and also fulfilling my calling in pastoral ministry with the Metropolitan Community Church, a ministry which began in 1968 for lesbian and gay people.

Lesbians and gay men of African descent, like myself, today struggle to affirm our identity because we have often been expected to deny our sexuality for the sake of surviving in our spiritual communities. Religious tradition has too often emphasised the holiness of heaven over the holiness of the earth.

Lesbians and gay men of African descent, like myself, today struggle to affirm our identity because we have often been expected to deny our sexuality for the sake of surviving in our spiritual communities. Religious tradition has too often emphasised the holiness of heaven over the holiness of the earth.

Not only does legislation prohibit homosexuality in many African countries but its very existence is also denied as prevailing within the culture. There is a continual attempt to deny that gays and lesbians make up a significant part of the population. “Gay culture” virtually does not exist from an African point of view. The subject of homosexuality is a huge taboo. Many Africans are in same-sex relationships but very few will be open about their sexuality to their families.

There have always been African men who are sexually attracted to other men, since biblical times. South Africa's Brenda Fassie is an icon for many African gay men and lesbians. Before her demise, Brenda was openly bisexual. Bisi Alimi, a notable scholar of the University of Lagos, Nigeria, in an interview with Ms Funmi Iyanda, came out as “gay” on national television in Nigeria. The reaction of the nation was totally unforgiving towards her. But very soon, we will see a new generation of African gay icons.

Being born homosexual in African culture is not something that you are able to understand as a child. African society has made it a taboo because it cannot deal with the growing demands of gays and lesbians, of their human rights, their need to be recognised and protected under the law.

If it were possible to determine homosexuality at birth, many African parents would repudiate their homosexual children before they have the chance to live. It is commonly said in Africa, “It is better to have the corpse of my child, than for me to accept that my child is gay.” As far as Africans are concerned, homosexuality is an abuse of traditional values. Homosexuality is seen as a sign of western sexual corruption and immorality. Some families believe that homosexuality is a result of occult activity and others that it is a disability.

The experience of an African gay or lesbian person living in exile in a foreign country is one of lost hope and a lack of representation. There are times when it feels that the entire world is against you. Gay Africans are not accepted by their own heritage of African culture and are equally faced with oppression, prejudice, and low self-esteem.

I have spoken to over 50 African gays and lesbians in the past two years. The conversations revealed that their lives seem worthless in a society that gives them little protection against the hatred for their sexual orientation. Although I'm gay and living in a foreign country, I still fear the hatred that comes from my own country.   Just a few weeks ago I went back to Nigeria to visit family and friends, but also to take part in one of the rare public events for lesbians and gay men in Nigeria. It was the fifth anniversary symposium of Alliance Rights of Nigeria, led by its president, Dare Odumuye, a very brave gay man. It was a rare occasion for Nigerians to discuss the issues affecting sexual minorities. Michael Akanji of INCRESE another organisation championing gay issues in Minna, Niger State, explained the struggles of sexual minorities and facilities available in Nigeria.

There are many cases where violence is perpetrated against gays and lesbians and where family relationships breakdown. Those known to be gay or lesbian are seen as outcasts, bringing terrible shame to their family name and harming the families' values and reputation.

Powerful organisations like the church, which could make an enormous difference, add fuel to the stigma and undermine all efforts to change attitudes. African gays and lesbians therefore go underground; leading to a lack of self-esteem, increased insecurity, loneliness and sometimes suicide.

Powerful organisations like the church, which could make an enormous difference, add fuel to the stigma and undermine all efforts to change attitudes. African gays and lesbians therefore go underground; leading to a lack of self-esteem, increased insecurity, loneliness and sometimes suicide. The Christian churches are among the worst perpetrators of homophobia, using the Bible to support their attitudes and arguments. The issues are preached about in ways that are difficult to challenge and cannot be openly debated in the pews. Counselling is usually offered to those known or suspected of being homosexual. The experienced usually leaves the victim more confused.

The spiritual needs of Africans are different from western needs. African culture embraces a greater intimacy of spiritual growth. We need a new era of Christian faith that can celebrate same-sex unions, so that many more gay Africans can be proud to celebrate their sexuality in a loving union.

In Europe, the last decade has seen a radical change in attitudes towards lesbians and gay men. There has been a limited change of attitudes within the African gay community in Europe, but for those with families in Africa, secrecy remains essential. Many gay Africans still find it difficult to come to terms with their sexuality, mainly because they are not ‘out' as gay in their own cultural communities.

My goal as a gay man of African descent is to reach out to other gays and lesbians who are suffering persecution to offer hope and let them know they are not alone. I know that taking a stand and making myself visible will have repercussions. However, I stand strong in my faith and belief that as a child of God all will be well.

In London on November 20, 2004, Tumaini (meaning “Hope”) was inaugurated: it was the first-ever African gay men's culture event. Tumaini brought together gay men of African descent in a safe, mutually supportive environment where they shared experiences, accessed information, and gained practical advice.

Tumaini addressed a range of issues affecting African gay and bisexual men, as well as generated debate and provided the space for dialogue in a structured setting. We hope that this event and others in the future will attract the attention of African governments, faith groups, policy makers and many more decision-makers in our home nations.

Gay Africans are entering a long battle to get our experiences and the reality of our lives recognised and accepted within our own cultures.

The Rev. Rowland ‘jide Macaulay is a Nigerian theologian and poet living in the United Kingdom. He works to help support and connect African gay and lesbian Christians around the world. A writer and speaker, he maintains a website with his writings and work, and may be reached by email at houseofrainbow@hotmail.com.