speaking up for human rights

Just listened to this story on NPR about a bill being considered in Uganda that is a violation of the human rights of gay people. The Reverend Susan Russell and many others are working hard to encourage religious leaders to speak up against the bill. The Reverend Canon Mary Haddad took the occasion of her last sermon at Grace Cathedral (she'll be missed much as she heads south to Beverly Hills) to point out how slow Anglican Communion leadership has been to speak up.

The following words inspired by Martin Niemöller, seem hauntingly appropriate,

First they came for the Jews
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Communists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a Communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists
and I did not speak out
because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left
to speak out for me.

You can follow this story in more detail over at the Episcopal Cafe. Pray for Uganda, pray for human rights and dignity for all.