Why the Pope and Archbishop of Canterbury’s pro-LGBTQ+ comments ring hollow in South Sudan

Feb 4, 2023 by Jill

By Jonny Walfisz, Euronews:

Both the leaders of the Catholic Church, the Church of England and the Church of Scotland have come together for a trip to South Sudan. But their presence is causing controversy over differing messages around LGBTQ+ rights.

It’s a complex topic for Pope Francis, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, and Moderator of the General Assembly Iain Greenshields. All three leaders have spoken up for LGBTQ+ rights in recent years, although the Catholic Church and Church of England do not theologically endorse homosexuality.

It is illegal for men to have sex with men in South Sudan and can be punished by up to 14 years in prison and a fine. While the law is only targeted at men, trans people could also face prosecution. The law hasn’t been seen to be enforced since the last reported arrests in 2017, but there are also reports of discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people

The lack of reports on the exact situation is likely due to an absence of LGBTQ+ society within South Sudan, reports The Human Dignity Trust, a global LGBTQ+ rights group.

Pope Francis spoke out against laws criminalising homosexuality, prior to the trip. “We are all children of God, and God loves us as we are and for the strength that each of us fights for our dignity,” he said.

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