Honorary Degree and Symposium for leading Ugandan LGBT advocate
Staff are invited to attend a symposium being hosted by the University to celebrate the awarding of an honorary degree to a leading LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) advocate.
The Reverend Christopher Senyonjo served the Anglican Church of Uganda as Bishop of the Diocese of West Buganda from 1974 until his retirement in 1998. He is one of the few religious leaders in Uganda, and indeed Africa as a whole, who actively supports members of the LGBT community and advocates for the recognition of their human rights, in a context of widespread social and political homo- and trans-phobia.
He has used a wide range of methods for his activism, ranging from preaching, pastoral support and writing to political lobbying. In 2012, he received the Clinton Global Citizenship award from the Clinton Foundation, which honours outstanding individuals for their exemplary leadership and groundbreaking work that has effected positive, lasting social change.
The honorary degree will be awarded to the Rev Senyonjo during the graduation ceremony of the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science at Leeds on Tuesday 17 July 2018.
On the following day, the University’s Centre for Religion and Public Life, in collaboration with the Leeds University Centre for African Studies, is hosting a symposium in honour of the Rev Senyonjo’s work.
The event will feature several speakers reflecting upon the Rev Senyonjo’s life and ministry, in the context of Uganda and from the perspective of Christian theology. It will also feature representatives of various communities and organisations based at the University and in the city, who will briefly reflect upon the inspiration the Rev Senyonjo has provided for their work.
All are welcome to attend the event, which takes place on Wednesday 18 July, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm in room G.12 in the Clothworkers North Building, to be followed by a drinks reception.
Limited places are available, so please email african-studies@leeds.ac.uk to confirm your attendance.
Email Dr Adriaan van Klinken for further information.Posted in: University news