Welcoming Church Sunday is an annual tradition observed the last Sunday of January by a growing number of Christian denominations. It is a celebration of the gifts of LGBT persons in the life, ministry and witness of the Church. This year's observance is dedicated to the life, memory and legacy of David Kato.
 
David Kato was a prominent LGBT activist working for Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG). Sadly, he was murdered in his home on January 26, 2011. David was murdered after he won a landmark lawsuit against the Rolling Stone tabloid in Uganda. With the "Kill the Gays" bill threatening, it had published David's picture with the caption "hang them." An Anglican Bishop and ally with the LGBT community in Uganda, Bishop Senyonjo's photo appeared with the same caption. Bishop Senyonjo faithfully continues his ministry with the LGBT community and his advocacy.
 
There are Presbyterians in over 100 nations around the world including Uganda. We invite your church, campus ministry or seminary community to observe Welcoming Church Sunday on January 29 and to remember the late David Kato with this following ritual and prayer.

Ritual:

Lighting of a candle to honor David’s life.

Prayer:

Leader:  O God, we light this candle {today/this evening} in memory of our brother, David Kato.You know, O God, he was faithful to your vision of a world at peace with its own diversity.You know, too, the price he paid for that faithfulness. Help us, who are now charged with carrying on that vision, to have the courage of conviction and stamina and grace it takes to live each and every day in a way that brings a little more justice, a little more kindness, a little more acceptance to this earth and its peoples. Help us now, as we pray, to rededicate ourselves to that singular call. For the sake of LGBT children and adults everywhere,

Congregation: We promise to strive to act justly with every word we speak, every thought we think, and every deed we do.

Leader: For the sake of our oppressors and those who harm us,

Congregation: We promise to striveto love tenderly and set a Christ-like example for all to follow.

Leader: For all our sakes, and for the coming of peace to this earth.

Congregation: We promise to seek to walk humbly with you, O God, all the days of our lives.

Leader: May God bless us to be faithful to the longings of our hearts this day. In Jesus' name. Amen

The Law, Gender & Sexuality Research Project at the Makerere University School of Law in Uganda is putting together a book on the life, work and legacy of David Kato. The project was founded by Dr. Sylvia R. Tamale who recently published the pro-LGBT African Sexualities: A Reader with Pambazuka Press.

David Kato has been remembered by African writers and academics, African poets and African bloggers.

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Ref: http://www.mlp.org/article.php/DavidKatoRemembrance2012