Has Lambeth Palace Just Reignited the Great Invitation Scandal?

A news release issued by the Anglican Church in Uganda claims that the "Archbishop of Canterbury's office has confirmed that Christopher Ssenyonjo, the second Bishop of West Buganda Diocese, has not been invited to the Lambeth Conference of Bishops." If true the confirmation could reignite the controversy of who has been left off - and on - the invitation list by Lambeth Palace.

New Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson has not been invited by Lambeth Palace -  even though he is the duly elected and consecrated bishop of a diocese of the Episcopal Church of the United States.t

But the former bishop of the an Episcopal Diocese in California - who has been deposed by the American Church - has not been removed from the invitation list.

This raises an interesting question: why would Canterbury accept the Anglican Church of Uganda action against a bishop but refuse to do the same for an action by the American Episcopal Church against a bishop? Unlike the American Church's actions, the Ugandan church has interfered with Bishop Ssenyonjo's pension.

Bishop Ssenyonjo serves as chaplain of Integrity Uganda and serves as an outspoken critic of anti-gay policies advocated by the Anglican Church if Uganda and government of that country, a fact that may make him personna non grata at the official Lambeth Conference. The unofficial Lambeth Convergence - featuring Bishops Robinson and Ssenyonjo - is starting to sound more interesting than "the official progrmamme."

The Church of Uganda release states: "Christopher Ssenyonjo will not be seated with Bishops at the Lambeth Conference, and will not participate in the deliberations during the Conference, as reported in the New Vision on 7th July.
 
"Church of Uganda Provincial Secretary, Rev. Canon Aaron Mwesigye, said, "We can only conclude that Christopher Ssenyonjo was invited by one of the gay lobby groups to be part of their demonstrations. He would, after all, need a letter of invitation from someone to get a UK visa."
 
"The Church of Uganda has also received confirmation that Christopher Ssenyonjo is being funded for his trip by Integrity USA, an American gay lobby group.

"Christopher Ssenyonjo was defrocked as a Bishop on 17th January 2007 for fraudulently consecrating another bishop. He is no longer entitled to function as a Bishop in the Church of Uganda nor is he entitled to represent the Church of Uganda in any way."