The United Methodist Church (UMC) in Zimbabwe has come under fire from its Zimbabwean branch for allegedly deviating from Jesus Christ’s teachings in light of the parent body’s decision to recognise homos*xuality.
Delegates to the most recent General Conference in the US unanimously decided to approve gay activities within the church, rejecting the long-held belief that these activities were incompatible with Christian doctrine. Regardless of gender, the ruling upheld marriage as a holy commitment between two consenting individuals.
The Zimbabwean delegation voiced worries that Western influence was undermining traditional church traditions, despite the fact that others saw it as a historic moment. Speaking on behalf of the minority Zimbabwean delegation, Reverend Forbes Matonga said that the decision was against the Church’s long-standing doctrines and a betrayal of African values.
Opponents contend that the change exposes the next generation to Western society, which they understand to be secular, and could normalise actions that are seen as evil by conventional Christian standards.
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Congregation member Anesu Kapanga, who had previously opposed homos*xuality, bemoaned the church’s seeming condonation of what they considered to be sinful behaviour.
Mr. Allen Gurupira, the administration assistant, addressed the congregation and reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s strong anti-homos*xuality stance. He also emphasised that any decisions taken at the General Conference would require ratification by local yearly conferences.
Social media users have been debating the UMC’s decision, with many denouncing it as against religious doctrine. Zimbabwe Council of Churches Bishop Ignatius Makumbe stressed the significance of coordinating church practices with government laws, which currently define marriage as a union between a man and a woman. He emphasised that the ZCC would stick to its biblical principles and reject homosexuality in all its manifestations.
In order to resolve the matter and preserve traditional values, the ZCC declared its intention to communicate with the UMC government in Zimbabwe going ahead.
