Twelve pastors quit the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe because they disagree with gay marriage. Last year, the church's highest council voted to allow same-sex weddings and gay pastors. The Zimbabwe branch refuses to accept these changes. New Bishop Gift Machinga made their position clear Friday.
Machinga said former Bishop Nhiwatiwa always opposed homosexuality, which remains the position across Zimbabwe and Africa. After becoming Bishop in South Africa, Machinga announced they reject gay relationships, matching Zimbabwe's laws. He explained they plan to create regional groups that can make their own local rules, allowing Southern Africa to write its guidelines.
Several pastors resigned despite Zimbabwe's church leaders opposing homosexuality. Reverend Forbes Matonga left immediately with the church elders. He said they cannot follow the direction pushed by liberal American bishops at last year's meeting. Matonga explained that church rules once called homosexuality wrong for Christians, but the new version celebrates it as a gift from God.
Pastor Maria Masamba expressed worry after serving 36 years. She believes this hurts future generations and might cause their disappearance if young people accept same-sex marriage. Dr. Gwinyai Muzorewa added that church members keep asking where things are heading. When pastors bring these concerns to the bishop, he ignores them, which forces them to leave. Many religious groups throughout Zimbabwe and Africa maintain strong opposition to homosexuality based on the Bible.
Machinga said former Bishop Nhiwatiwa always opposed homosexuality, which remains the position across Zimbabwe and Africa. After becoming Bishop in South Africa, Machinga announced they reject gay relationships, matching Zimbabwe's laws. He explained they plan to create regional groups that can make their own local rules, allowing Southern Africa to write its guidelines.
Several pastors resigned despite Zimbabwe's church leaders opposing homosexuality. Reverend Forbes Matonga left immediately with the church elders. He said they cannot follow the direction pushed by liberal American bishops at last year's meeting. Matonga explained that church rules once called homosexuality wrong for Christians, but the new version celebrates it as a gift from God.
Pastor Maria Masamba expressed worry after serving 36 years. She believes this hurts future generations and might cause their disappearance if young people accept same-sex marriage. Dr. Gwinyai Muzorewa added that church members keep asking where things are heading. When pastors bring these concerns to the bishop, he ignores them, which forces them to leave. Many religious groups throughout Zimbabwe and Africa maintain strong opposition to homosexuality based on the Bible.
