ironhorse_iv
In the United States of America, same-sex marriage has been legal since June 26, 2015, when the United States Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that state-level bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. Because of this lost, many of the anti-homosexual, mega-churches had turn their attention outward to developing countries in hope to equal the playing field and repel the onslaught of homosexuality, which they view as an abomination before God. One of those churches against the tide of homosexuality, is the International House of Prayer (IHOP), a cult-like megachurch based in Kansas City, MO, whom has been actively sending hundreds of wide-eyed young white missionaries to Uganda in order to spread the gospel. Armed with millions of dollars in donated funds, IHOP Ministries has been building schools, churches and pouring much needed assistance into the Uganda culture in order to win the culture war. Without spoiling the movie, too much, 'God Love Uganda' shows, less of their positive side, and more of the negatively side of IHOP's influence, leading to a one-sided perspective. However, I can't really, 'go against that viewpoint', as there is hidden cameras and recording tape in this documentary that do not lie. In doing my own research, I found the movie by director Robert Ross Williams to be, very accurate, despite members of the IHOP, may claim. Even way before this film was even made; in 2010, members of IHOP leaded by their charismatic leader, Lou Engle, led a rally in Uganda in order to combat homosexual. There is more documentation of their involvement in Uganda's politics in the following years, leading up to the 2014 signing of Uganda's recent harsh Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Mid-while, members of the church has released public statement condemning the penalties of the bill, prior and after, the bill passing, but it was done, in order to save their own hid. It's really hard to believe that they didn't know, what the government plan to do with all the homosexuals, even if they really misunderstood it. Anyways, Engle later called for the church to examine its own sins and to oppose violence against homosexuals, so that's good. Yet, the IHOP isn't without any other criticize. After all, they barely help Uganda at all. Much of their money, they filtered into the country, goes to running the local churches missions, rather than feeding, medical or sheltering the poor. Not only that, but they still have problems with their over rich ministers being a little too sexual active with certain members of their organization. However, as much as this movie wants to make IHOP, all to blame for Uganda. It's far from the truth; they are only a minor problem in Uganda. Nevertheless, it's the American fundamentalist Christian organization The Fellowship (also known as "The Family") that had the greatest American influence on Uganda's government. After all, they're the ones that redirected millions in US aid to Uganda from sex education programs to abstinence programs, thereby causing an evangelical revival, which included condom burning. Also, I wouldn't say, North American evangelicals is all to blame for what is happening in Uganda, as that would be scapegoating propaganda. While, I do believe North American evangelicals in general, did play a big part in the endemic homophobia of that country that was once, somewhat open to gay relationship, during pre-colonialization. However, it's the British colonials that had the greatest influence on the politics of the country, not North America. Laws were remnants by them in order to control the population. Many of these out-date laws still existed. Nevertheless, Christian foreign powers, is only partly to blame. It's those in Africa that have the power, like President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Makerere Community Church Minister, Martin 'eat da poo-poo' Ssempa whom should be liability. After all, they're the ones that influence similar laws in other African Nations where Christianity is the primary religion. Yet, it wasn't all Christians that were against homosexuals in Uganda. Muslims within and out of the country, has also try to put down the homosexuals. A good example of this, was during Dictator Idi Amin's reign in the 1970s. Gay men and women were often criminalized and killed. That's one thing, this movie fails to talk about. They don't bother, talking much of the history of the country nor give details. Moreover, the film fails to provide a larger context for Uganda's overall current situation. Uganda is one of the poorest, backward countries in the world with an extremely corrupt government. Focusing primarily on U.S. missionaries without looking at the backdrop is a bit shallow. Yet, I don't think all people that believe in religion in this film, are all bad, just misguided. Fortunately, I do like how the movie doesn't demonize all believers, as there are some moderate clergymen who have been fighting for equal rights for the gays. But they are few and far between. Clearly the evils of religion, out-weight the good in this documentary. Yet, the movie isn't all prismatic, it does show hope and faith does generate change. Hopefully, both international and domestic pressure from human rights groups will be sufficient in turning the tide against these out-date laws, but only time will tell. Overall: God love Uganda is a powerful documentary that needs to be watch, from both the faithful, and those seeking for just cause. Highly recommended for anybody with a heart.
Richard Cameron
A chilling inside look at the missionary efforts of the US evangelical right to instill their "bible based" homophobia into Uganda. I won't repeat the fine observations made by other reviewers, except to say this is a must see for all LGBT persons/ activists and their supporters. It's frightening, sobering and inspiring all at the same time. It's also remarkable for the amount of footage devoted to an inside look at the gatherings and meetings of the International House of Prayer. These frenetic prayer sessions, characterized by manic, crazed, jerky movements on the part of the participants, testify in a graphic manner to the lack of any real interior peace or integration on the part of the (perhaps) well meaning zealots. Here we have human beings in the grip of a fever of fanaticism, without the "peace that surpasses understanding" of the gospels. A fever of emotional certitude coming from the ego rather than from the depths of their interior being. Contrast this with the gentle peace and quiet confidence of the two gay- supportive pastors featured most prominently. These are both remarkable human beings who exude a compassion and wisdom that breathes peace throughout the entire documentary. These are persons centered deep within their interior beings where the Spirit lives and breathes, a peace that gives them such courage in the face of opposition. This is especially so for the saintly bishop, whose gentleness masks a steely will to stand up against injustice. He is even more remarkable for his quiet inner optimism and confidence in Uganda's future, despite the terrible situation in Uganda atthe moment. This is the quiet confidence of a man deeply attuned to his own inner being, listening to a higher voice not of his own making, which sustains and inspires him. This is not a man enslaved to his inner demons who drive him to peaks of frenetic emotionality. The bishop is a gentle quiet tenacious presence contrasted with the tin rattling clamor, noise and confusion of the zealots, insisting that they know that God wants this and God wants that. Remarkable, I wish the film had mover of him.The simple contrast between the demeanor and peaceful body language of the supportive Christian pastors with the alarming intensity of the crazed zealots is one of the most powerful messages of the whole film. It's a simple rule of Christian discernment, the Good Spirit brings peace. (Apologies for the explicit Christian references, since the Spirit is certainly not limited to Christians alone, but In a documentary replete with so many young missionaries ignorant of the basic rules of Christian discernment, it seemed appropriate.)
