**The congregation, faced with relentless persecution, gathers in secret to celebrate their identities and faith.**
**Undaunted Spirit: L.G.B.T.Q. Church in Nairobi Survives Against the Odds**
**Undaunted Spirit: L.G.B.T.Q. Church in Nairobi Survives Against the Odds**
**In a hostile environment, a clandestine L.G.B.T.Q. church in Kenya finds hope and solace.**
In Nairobi, Kenya, past the oppressive shadows cast by societal norms, the city harbors an underground church that has become a beacon of hope for L.G.B.T.Q. individuals. For nearly ten years, this congregation has been forced to relocate multiple times due to continuous hostility, from vandalism to police arrests and violent neighbor attacks.
Despite these challenges, members of the church have recently found a new, undisclosed sanctuary that allows them to worship freely, a critical aspect of their struggle for acceptance. On a typical Sunday, nearly 100 attendees gather in this hidden space, their identities secured by a stringent screening process conducted at the entrance.
During a recent service, Pastor Caroline Omolo addressed the congregation with heartfelt conviction, “Rejection may come from family; the traditional church may not always embrace you. But you have a place in the Bible, and praise the Lord for that!” The congregation responded with an heartfelt “Amen,” their spirits buoyed.
Many congregants are asylum seekers escaping neighboring countries where homosexuality is criminalized, often with deadly consequences. These weekly gatherings provide a safe haven for expressing their faith, their identities, and each other, empowering them in a world that frequently seeks to silence them.
Remarkably, attendance varies from 50 to 200 worshippers each week, showcasing the resilient spirit of a community determined to thrive amidst adversity.
