Source: Africa Publicity
A group of 12 senior pastors from the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Zimbabwe have resigned in protest over the church’s recent decision to end its condemnation of homosexuality.
The resignations follow the UMC’s General Conference vote last year, where delegates voted 523-161 to revise the church’s Social Principles, effectively deleting language that deemed homosexuality “incompatible with Christian teaching”.
Reverend Forbes Matonga, one of the pastors who resigned, expressed his concerns at a press conference in Harare. “Now your beloved church fully embraces this sin and even celebrates it as God’s gift,” he said. The pastors’ decision to resign stems from their belief that the church’s new stance no longer aligns with Christian teachings.
Pastor Maria Masamba also shared her concerns about the implications of the policy shift. “I’m not talking about being modern or progressive, I’m talking about the very fabric of our society… If we start to normalize homosexual relationships within the church, what does that mean for the future of our families, our communities, and the world?” she asked.
The UMC’s decision has sparked controversy, with some members celebrating the move as a step towards inclusivity, while others, like the resigned pastors, see it as a departure from traditional Christian values. The church’s shift on homosexuality has been a topic of debate for decades, with the recent vote marking a significant change in its stance.
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