While there are a number of related points raised in the editorial the underlying issue is the proposed legislation in Nigeria with regard to Same-Sex Marriage. If enacted, this legislation would include the possibility of a jail sentence for those who either participate in or promote same-sex marriages. Not unexpectedly, Bishop Chane has responded in a very negative manner. He concludes his editorial by demanding to know the mind of the 'archbishop's many high-profile supporters in this country' with regard to this situation. While I am not sure that I would qualify for such a list I am more than willing to share my views.

I do NOT believe that criminalization is an appropriate response to those who understand themselves to be homosexuals. Resolution 1.10 from the Lambeth Conference in 1998 is a good summary of my convictions on this contentious issue. While I "reject homosexual practice as incompatible with Scripture" and sinful, I do believe that we are "to minister pastorally and sensitively to all persons irrespective of their sexual orientation". Having said this I am very much aware that even in the Commonwealth of Virginia there are still laws that deal with various "Crimes against Nature" and in particular homosexual practice and adultery. The continued existence of these laws is a reflection of our own society's struggle to find a way to support and protect heterosexual marriage while at the same time acknowledging the human rights of all persons.

The situation in Nigeria is even more complex. There is a precarious balancing act between those regions that are under Muslim influence - where Sharia law calls for the stoning of homosexuals - and those that have a majority Christian population. The situation is volatile as demonstrated by the repercussions from the Danish cartoon saga that have already led to hundreds of Christian and Muslim deaths. Keeping the lid on this situation is a formidable task. In recent months homosexual activism sponsored in part by organizations from the UK and South Africa has threatened to add further instability. In response the President of Nigeria has proposed legislation that would restrict such activities.

While I find some of the language of the proposed Nigerian law too harsh and unacceptable in our context, sadly there are many other situations that I find even more unacceptable. For example, in Saudi Arabia there are death penalties for women convicted of adultery or for any citizen who converts to Christianity. I suspect that all of us could add to the list of laws that we would deem deplorable - the good news is that in the United States we have the freedom not only to deplore them but to change them. Many in other countries are not permitted either choice.

--The Rev. Martyn Minns is rector of Truro Episcopal Church in Truro, Virginia

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