Retired Anglican Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo, a respected church leader whose later years were marked by controversy over his views on LGBTQ rights, has died at the age of 94. His passing was confirmed by family members and close associates, who said he died on July 19.Born on December 8, 1931, Ssenyonjo devoted much of his life to Christian ministry and rose to become Bishop of West Buganda Diocese. He served in the position from 1974 until his retirement in 1998, overseeing one of the Church of Uganda’s most prominent dioceses during a period of significant growth and transformation.Following his retirement, Ssenyonjo became increasingly vocal about the need for acceptance and pastoral care for LGBTQ individuals. His position attracted both praise and criticism, placing him at the center of one of the most sensitive debates within Uganda’s religious community.His views ultimately brought him into conflict with the Church of Uganda. In 2006, the church, under the leadership of then Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi, distanced itself from the retired bishop, accusing him of promoting beliefs that were inconsistent with official Anglican teachings on sexuality.The decision effectively ended his formal relationship with the institution he had served for decades. However, Ssenyonjo remained active in ministry and continued advocating for people he believed had been marginalized by both society and religious institutions.Over the years, he became a well-known voice on issues of faith, inclusion and human rights. Through his engagement with LGBTQ communities and his efforts to encourage dialogue, he gained recognition from international organizations and religious groups beyond Uganda.While many conservatives criticized his stance as a departure from biblical doctrine, supporters hailed him as a compassionate leader who was willing to stand by his convictions despite facing opposition. His work generated conversations that extended far beyond church circles and into broader discussions about human rights and social justice.Christopher Ssenyonjo leaves behind a complex and influential legacy. He will be remembered both for his decades of service as a senior Anglican cleric and for the convictions that made him one of Uganda’s most debated religious figures in his later years.
