Priest in homosexuality row demands apology from church
An Anglican Church priest, who was suspended over alleged homosexuality, has told a court that he can only resume pastoral duties once the Mt Kenya West Diocese Bishop Joseph Kagunda issues an apology.
Mr James Maina Maigua on Wednesday told Justice Abigail Mshila of the High Court in Nyeri that the bishop linked him to gayism without evidence, and without conducting proper investigations.
He said he was ready to resume his ministerial duties, but the bishop must offer an apology through the media and compensate him for defamation.
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Mr Maigua, who was suspended from preaching in the church and had his preaching licence annulled, said he was ex-communicated by the bishop through a letter.
He was suspended alongside Reverends John Gachau and Paul Warui. The trio filed separate suits against the bishop, seeking compensation for defamation.
Before he was forced to leave the Church in August 2015, Mr Maigua was a preacher at St Philips ACK Thunguri Church in Othaya, Nyeri.
“A Labour Court in 2016 directed the bishop to reinstate me to the pastoral duties but he never obeyed the court orders.,” he said.
The hearing continues on April 18.