Update on Uganda

In the last post I wrote about the Anti-Homosexual Bill in Uganda, I mentioned that Martin Ssempa was linked to a large church back in America—that church was Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church. As recent as the middle of last week, Martin Ssempa was still mentioned on Saddleback’s website. However, all links to Ssempa were swiftly removed when Dr. Throckmorton and I were both in direct contact with Rick and Kay Warren’s spokesperson questioning the potential longstanding connection between Saddleback and what is currently happening in Uganda through Ssempa.

The first response we received was from Kay Warren, who said she was quote, “horrified”, that there were still mentions of Ssempa on their website. She had staff work through the night to remove every link to Ssempa, and the next thing we know,

A decisive statement was just issued by Rick and Kay Warren in regards to Martin Ssempa. Here it is:

“STATEMENT FROM PASTOR RICK & KAY WARREN

REGARDING ACTIVITIES OF MARTIN SSEMPA IN UGANDA

Martin Ssempa does not represent me, my wife Kay, Saddleback Church, nor the Global PEACE Plan strategy. In 2007, we completely severed contact with Mr. Ssempa when we learned that his views and actions were in serious conflict with our own. Our role, and the role of the PEACE Plan, whether in Uganda or any other country, is always pastoral and never political. We vigorously oppose anything that hinders the goals of the PEACE Plan: Promoting reconciliation, Equipping ethical leaders, Assisting the poor, Caring for the sick, and Educating the next generation.”

I have been talking to some people I know in Uganda (of which I am trying to assist them in moblizing through this new information), and since this statement has released they say it is actually causing quite a stir because much of Ssempa’s clout came from, a perceived (since 2007), endorsement from Saddleback. Let’s keep it rolling to continue shaking things up. I’m very grateful to Rick and Kay Warren for being so clear on Martin Ssempa’s actions.

Much love.

www.themarinfoundation.org