Zimbabwe United Methodist Church members call the recent homosexuality vote a betrayal of Jesus Christ. The parent church in America decided to accept gay relationships by a huge margin of 692 to 51. They threw out a rule that has existed for 52 years, saying gay acts go against Christian teachings. They also changed marriage rules to include any two adults who consent, not just men and women.
The person who led this change, Randall Miller, felt proud of the decision. He mentioned he worked 40 years to remove the anti-gay language because he believes all people matter. As a gay man himself, he expressed deep thanks for finally reaching this point. The Zimbabwe church members strongly disagreed with these changes.
Reverend Forbes Matonga spoke from America, saying they felt betrayed. He believes the American church abandoned 2000 years of teaching just to fit modern Western culture. Since Methodist churches worldwide connect as one body, he worries about African students. He fears young people will learn these values at Methodist colleges in America.
A church member named Anesu Kapanga was previously arrested for protesting against homosexuality. He said they saw this coming but couldn't stop it. He believes churches should lead the fight against what he sees as evil. Zimbabwe's church leaders made clear they still completely reject homosexual practices.
Allen Gurupira, who assists the Bishop, reminded everyone that Zimbabwe maintains its firm stance. He noted that any General Conference decisions must be approved by annual conferences first. Many Zimbabweans discussed the matter online, mostly calling it sinful and unholy. Most African church members want different rules than their American counterparts.
Bishop Ignatius Makumbe from the Anglican Church advised Methodist leaders to follow government laws. He pointed out that Zimbabwe only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. He suggested they learn from Anglican and Catholic churches that refused similar changes. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches promised they will never accept homosexuality.
Makumbe stated the Bible clearly defines homosexuality as sin, and his organization has opposed it since they first formed. He plans to meet with Methodist leaders in Zimbabwe to discuss how his group might help them through this situation. African churches generally want to keep traditional values rather than adopt Western changes.
The person who led this change, Randall Miller, felt proud of the decision. He mentioned he worked 40 years to remove the anti-gay language because he believes all people matter. As a gay man himself, he expressed deep thanks for finally reaching this point. The Zimbabwe church members strongly disagreed with these changes.
Reverend Forbes Matonga spoke from America, saying they felt betrayed. He believes the American church abandoned 2000 years of teaching just to fit modern Western culture. Since Methodist churches worldwide connect as one body, he worries about African students. He fears young people will learn these values at Methodist colleges in America.
A church member named Anesu Kapanga was previously arrested for protesting against homosexuality. He said they saw this coming but couldn't stop it. He believes churches should lead the fight against what he sees as evil. Zimbabwe's church leaders made clear they still completely reject homosexual practices.
Allen Gurupira, who assists the Bishop, reminded everyone that Zimbabwe maintains its firm stance. He noted that any General Conference decisions must be approved by annual conferences first. Many Zimbabweans discussed the matter online, mostly calling it sinful and unholy. Most African church members want different rules than their American counterparts.
Bishop Ignatius Makumbe from the Anglican Church advised Methodist leaders to follow government laws. He pointed out that Zimbabwe only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. He suggested they learn from Anglican and Catholic churches that refused similar changes. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches promised they will never accept homosexuality.
Makumbe stated the Bible clearly defines homosexuality as sin, and his organization has opposed it since they first formed. He plans to meet with Methodist leaders in Zimbabwe to discuss how his group might help them through this situation. African churches generally want to keep traditional values rather than adopt Western changes.
