KEY POINTS
- LGBTQ+ Muslim cleric Muhsin Hendricks was shot and killed in Gqeberha.
- His murder is suspected to be a hate crime.
- Faith leaders are calling for justice and stronger protections.
Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston, leader of the Metropolitan Community Churches, said the apparent hate-motivated murder of Muslim cleric Muhsin Hendricks is a terrible reminder of the perils LGBTQ+ people confront on a daily basis.
Hate crime suspected in LGBTQ+ Muslim cleric’s murder
Hendricks, the first openly homosexual imam in history, was shot and killed in the Eastern Cape on Saturday during the day. After local priests allegedly declined to perform the service, he flew to Gqeberha to perform a lesbian couple’s wedding in Bethelsdorp.
According to IOL, Hendricks established the Al-Ghurbaah Foundation, a Wynberg-based group that assists LGBTQ+ Muslims in balancing their sexual orientation and religious beliefs.
Hendricks’ murder seemed to be a targeted act, according to Eggleston, whose MCC denomination was established in 1968 to serve LGBTQ+ Christians and currently has over 100 congregations globally.
“I find this murder particularly upsetting as a leader of a Christian denomination that shares the goal of bringing queer people into a relationship with God,” Eggleston stated. “It is a sobering reminder that LGBTQ+ people are still in danger just for being who they are.”
Although the authorities are still looking into it, preliminary reports indicate that hate was the driving force for the attack.
Eggleston prayed for a prompt investigation and a fair conclusion. “Spiritual and religious leaders from all religions must denounce such behavior. Undoubtedly, our God disapproves of hatred and violence, which go counter to all religions.
Muhsin Hendricks dedicated his life to faith and inclusion
Hendricks is an advocate of inclusivity and human rights, according to Rev. Elder Nokuthula Dhladhla, a member of MCC’s Council of Elders in South Africa.
“His murder is a vicious assault on the principles of equality, dignity, and compassion that he devoted his life to defending, in addition to being a loss to the interfaith community,” Dhladhla stated.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and urge all people of conscience and faith to oppose the growing tide of intolerance and hatred.”
