Preserve Uganda’s Future Hope

Beneath these bright and gracious skies, where hope is freely lent
Yet children watch through vacant eyes, as families are rent.
Be merciful, bring justice now, O hear our urgent plea:
Preserve Uganda’s future hope, and set her people free.

By missionary zeal first sown, as hearts for Christ were claimed,
But now against its flesh and bone, is hatred thus inflamed
Be merciful, bring justice now, O hear our urgent plea:
Preserve Uganda’s future hope, and set her people free.

O gracious God, take back your word, from preachers on our shores,
Whose lust for blood goes undeterred, and on your children pours
Be merciful, bring justice now, O hear our urgent plea:
Preserve Uganda’s future hope, and set her people free.

In Africa, your soul delights, so make her leaders brave,
And guide the path toward human rights, and all your children save
Be merciful, bring justice now, O hear our urgent plea:
Preserve Uganda’s future hope, and set her people free.

At last may dawn the day we seek, where love has naught to fear
And every lover truth may speak, and find your kin-dom near
Be merciful, bring justice now, O hear our urgent plea:
Preserve Uganda’s future hope, and set her people free.

Text: David R. Weiss, b. 1959 (© 2011 David R. Weiss)
Tune: Samuel A. Ward, 1847-1903, Materna (America, the Beautiful) – public domain

Permission is given to photocopy Preserve Uganda’s Future Hope for use in worship.

Author’s Note: This anthem seeks to raise awareness about the plight of GLBT persons in Uganda and was written to assist Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo in his work on behalf of human rights for GLBT persons in that country. Preserve Uganda’s Future Hope laments the fear that frames GLBT lives in Uganda today—and prays its hope for a better future. It intentionally uses a familiar patriotic American tune because several high profile American fundamentalist pastors have carried their anti-gay message to Uganda (v. 3).