Nigerian churches are breeding millions of homophobes.
Soon after Pope Francis spoke about the maltreatment of homosexuals by the church, the Anglican Bishop, Rev. Michael Fape, condemned the Pope's speech, saying that homosexuality is "abominable and a sin" and that homosexuals should be punished.
The Anglican and Pentecostal churches in Nigeria and Africa are enforcing homophobia in their congregations. This is dangerous as it could lead to replicas of the Orlando massacre in which a Muslim, Omar Mateen, shot dead 49 people in a gay nightclub.
Early this year in February, an alleged gay, Akinnifesi Olubunmi, was beaten to death in Ondo State, Nigeria, by a mob for participating in an homosexual act. This kind of jungle justice continues to be fostered by various churches in Nigeria that preach vehemently against homosexuality.
People of different sexual orientations continue to be haunted down by mobs and killed. This is the sad reality we face in Nigeria. Jungle justice rules the day and the authorities don't seem up to it.
Churches should preach love and not hatred. Leaders of Christian churches in Nigeria should factor in human rights in their messages to maintain a social balance. A society full of homophobes is one of the worst things that can happen to a country. Let's all come together to fight against homophobia.
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