New UMC bishop condemns homosexuality

Tafadzwa Zimoyo and Remember Deketeke

THE newly-elected Bishop of the United Methodist Church (UMC) Zimbabwe Episcopal Area, Reverend Dr Gift Machinga, has reaffirmed the church’s traditional stance against homosexuality, declaring it incompatible with Christian teachings.

He made the remarks yesterday at a welcoming ceremony at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare.

“As United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe and in Africa, we uphold the traditional stance on homosexuality, that it is incompatible with the scriptures.

“Homosexuality has no room in our churches, in our pulpits,” he said.

Last year, the UMC in the United States voted overwhelmingly to change the long-standing assertion that homosexual practices are incompatible with Christian teachings, with the Zimbabwean delegation voting with the minority.

Rev Machinga called on all United Methodists in Zimbabwe, both clergy and laypeople, to unite and rally together to “take our church to higher levels”.

Outgoing Bishop, Rev Eben Nhiwatiwa, pledged his full support to Rev Machinga, emphasising the importance of unity and collaboration.

“In terms of support, I believe you are underestimating my commitment. When I say I offer 100 percent support to the Bishop, that is just the beginning,” he said.

Elected last Saturday, Rev Machinga received 41 out of 60 valid votes and becomes the fourth Bishop in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area, following Reverends Abel Muzorewa, Christopher Jokomo and Eben Nhiwatiwa.