The ongoing debate over homosexuality has deeply divided the United Methodist Church (UMC), resulting in a dramatic split in Zimbabwe.
On Sunday, a significant faction of UMC members gathered in Harare to establish a breakaway group, led by Simon Mafunda and James Kawadza.
For over a century, the UMC has opposed the ordination of LGBTQ clergy. However, a recent decision by the church’s General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, has allowed the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy and sanctioned same-sex marriages in the UMC across the United States.
This shift has sparked a global exodus of conservative members who find the new policies unacceptable. At the General Conference, many conservative African delegates resisted these changes, advocating for “regionalisation,” which would allow different continents to set their own rules in line with local cultural practices.
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This proposal was rejected by those favoring a unified church structure, leading to the formation of splinter groups, including the new faction in Zimbabwe. Reverend Gurupira of the UMC in Zimbabwe dismissed the breakaway group, asserting that the UMC in Zimbabwe remains unaffected by the schism. “We are aware of the faction attempting to divide us,” Rev Gurupira said. “However, we are focused on our 109-year celebration and remain united.”
This split mirrors a similar event in South Africa in May, where disagreements over LGBTQ issues led to the creation of two separate UMC factions: the Johannesburg United Methodist Church (JNUMC) and the newly-formed Johannesburg North Methodist Church (JNMC).
The Shona United Methodist Church, established in South Africa by Zimbabwean immigrants in 2008, has grown significantly and now boasts over 1,000 members and substantial property holdings.
A similar division has also occurred in Nigeria. A notable faction of UMC members in Nigeria has joined the breakaway Global Methodist Church. Rev. Ande Emmanuel, Conference Secretary of the Southern Nigeria Annual Conference, confirmed the split and expressed disappointment at John Wesley Yohanna’s decision to leave.
“We are saddened by their departure and wish them well in their new faith community,” Rev. Emmanuel said. He also emphasized that the departing members are not permitted to take any UMC property with them.
As these divisions unfold, the UMC faces significant challenges in maintaining unity and addressing the diverse perspectives within its global congregation.
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