Founder of the first gay church in Nigeria – House of Rainbow – so named most likely because the colours of the rainbow is same as that of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender LGBTIQ Movement, Rowland Olajide Macaulay, who fled Nigeria to escape a 14-year jail sentence, may soon be ordained priest by the Church of England in the United Kingdom.

Homosexuality is a topic that sparked controversy in Nigeria and a majority of the population was vociferously against acts of homosexuality which now attracts a 14-year jail sentence in accordance to Nigerian law.

The founder of Nigeria’s first gay church, House of Rainbow, Rowland Olajide Macaulay, a reverend who sees himself as an activist, fled the country as soon as the National Assembly enacted a law prohibiting such anti-social behaviours. Although it was founded in Nigeria in September 2006 by Macaulay, Nigeria’s first openly gay pastor, there is still no record of a physical church structure for House of Rainbow on Nigerian soil. Macaulay ran the church from his home in Jakande Estate, Isolo, Lagos, and a “worship space” in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, with about 32 people in attendance at the first meeting which took place at Ikeja Capital City Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Macaulay, now 53 years old, recently stirred the hornest’s nest as he shared an invitation card to his ordination on his social media handle and wrote: “It is a delight to share this news; I am to be ordained Anglican priest in the Church of England in June 2019.

“Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait I say, on the Lord” Psalm 27:14.

Efforts to get the leadership of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) which has vehemently opposed the practice, for its comments on the new development have proved abortive.

Macaulay was born on November 4, 1965. He is a pastor and ordained minister, an LGBTQ, human rights and HIV/AIDS activist, community builder, queer theologian, lawyer, and parent. Macaulay founded House of Rainbow, catering to the LGBTQ community, and currently serves as its executive director.

Macaulay hails from a family of clerics. August Olakunle Macaulay, who is his father, is an acclaimed theologian, principal, and also founded the United Bible University. He is also the president of the Association of Christian Theologians in Nigeria.

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