malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
In a powerful display of dissent, members of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area gathered today in Harare to voice their concerns over the recent changes made to the church’s doctrine about homosexuality.
The protest highlighted the deep-seated concerns of the congregation regarding what they perceived as a departure from the fundamental teachings of the church.
Speaking during the protest, United Methodist Chairperson of the Laity and Advocacy James Kawadza said: “Today we are gathered here to show a bold stand condemning homosexuality.
“The protest is centered around the alteration of the definition of marriage within the UMC which believes in traditional understanding of marriage as a monogamous faithful relationship between a man and a woman.”
Another contentious issue that was raised during the protest is the revision of ordination standards to allow the ordination of self-avowed practicing gay clergy and the authorization for them to preside over same-sex marriages.
The removal of the language stating that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teachings has been met with strong opposition, with lay members asserting that this compromises the church’s sexual ethics.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter