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THE issue of homosexuality has become problematic, especially in traditional churches, whose constituency extends worldwide, where diverse cultures, norms and values cannot always be reconciled.
In the West, homosexuality has become deeply entrenched, while conservative African communities continue to stand their ground.
Below are some of the instances where the issue has threatened the communion of major churches.
Roman Catholic Church
In December, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference refused to bless same-sex marriages after Pope Francis permitted Catholic priests to sanctify the unions.
The Vatican, however, said this would not be integrated into standard rituals or connected to civil unions and weddings.
The local clergy argued that Zimbabwean laws do not allow same-sex marriages and that the clergy must not act in a way that may be seen as endorsing homosexuality.
Anglican Church
Anglicans have been divided over the issue of homosexuality for the past two decades.
Supporters of same-sex unions continue to reject the biblical standard and traditionalists refuse to abandon the authority of Scripture. In Zimbabwe, the Anglican Church was in 2007 left divided after Bishop Nolbert Kunonga, who accused the main church of supporting homosexuality, went on to form his own independent Harare Diocese.
Bishop Kunonga was later excommunicated by the main church, which left local worshippers at odds.
The Anglican Church was formed when King Henry VIII split from the Roman Catholic Church in 1534, when Pope Clement VII refused to grant an annulment of his marriage.
In response, the Reformation Parliament (1529 to 1536) passed laws abolishing papal authority in England and declared Henry to be the head of the Church of England, which meant final authority doctrinal disputes now rested with the monarch.
Overall, the divisions that rocked the local church during Bishop Kunonga’s era, which turned violent at times, indicated how the issue of homosexuality is potentially destabilising.
Online Reporter