The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have criticized Nigerian and Ugandan over new anti-gay laws these countries have passed in recent months.

In a joint letter which was sent to Presidents Jonathan of Nigeria and President Museveni of Uganda, two Archbishops, Justin Welby of Canterbury and John Sentamu of York said they are highly against their countries’ 9Uganda and Nigeria) laws penalizing gay people. They said “homosexual people were loved and valued by God and should not be victimized or diminished’’.

The letter sent to the two presidents from the archbishops re affirmed their support for a document known as the Dromantine Communique, published in 2005 by the primates of the Anglican Communion.

“We continue unreservedly to be committed to the pastoral support and care of homosexual people, the victimisation or diminishment of human beings whose affections happen to be ordered towards people of the same sex is anathema to us’’.

“We assure homosexual people that they are children of God, loved and valued by Him and deserving the best we can give – pastoral care and friendship’’, details of the letter disclosed.

The BBC African Service reported the letter is also addressed to all primates (heads of national Churches) in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Nigeria and Uganda have both passed legislation targeting people with same-sex attraction. In Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan has signed into law a bill which bans same-sex marriages, gay groups and shows of same-sex public affection.

Ugandan lawmakers also passed a bill allowing for greater punishments for gay people but the bill has not been signed by President Yoweri Museveni.

The letter comes as Archbishop Welby starts a five-day tour of four African countries. Archbishop Welby’s stance on homosexual relationships has created tension with more traditionalist Anglicans.

Last October, he held talks with members of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON), which condemns those who preach what it calls a “false gospel” claiming God’s blessing for same-sex unions.

Both the UK and the US have threatened to cut aid to African nations who do not allow gay people to enjoy their fundamental human rights.

But Homosexuality is largely considered to be taboo and disgusting to the cultural values and morality of the African people and most nations punishes same-sex sexual acts as crimes.

Issaka Adams / NationalTurk Africa News