Rev. Mark Kiyimba Arrives in DC-Balto Area

In the wee hours of this morning, I was at the Greyhound bus terminal in Baltimore, where I picked up my colleague, Rev. Mark Kiyimba of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kampala, Uganda. He had been en route the preceding 24 hours, as he made his trek from St. Louis to the home of the Orioles. He had not felt well the week before, which complicated his travel schedule. Happily, the fullness of his health began to return Friday evening, and he will give the sermon at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda this morning. I am very grateful for his safe passage over the roadways and for his renewed well-being.

Rev. Mark is on a "Standing on the Side of Love" tour, as he raises awareness of the need for our inclusive Unitarian Universalist message in Uganda. That country has been swept by a wave of anti-gay sentiment -- encouraged by a group of US evangelical Christians -- resulting in the introduction of legislation that would severely punish those involved in "homosexual acts". Because of his and his church's stance as allies of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, he is among those being threatened with violence, along with Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, who came to speak at UUCA in October.

Rev. Mark will speak at UUCA at both the 9:15 and 11:15 services next Sunday, the King Holiday Weekend, and has many other speaking engagements between now and January 18. Let's give him a warm welcome, and learn how we might be effective allies in the struggle for justice, equity and compassion in Uganda!