Tinotenda Hove

Twelve senior pastors from the United Methodist Church (UMC) have resigned in protest over the church’s recent decision to remove its condemnation of homosexuality. This move follows the church’s General Conference in the United States, where leadership voted to revise its Social Principles, deeming homosexuality no longer “incompatible with Christian teaching” ¹.

Reverend Forbes Matonga, one of the resigned pastors, expressed his concerns at a press conference in Harare.

“Now your beloved church fully embraces this sin and even celebrates it as God’s gift,” he said. Matonga’s sentiments were echoed by Pastor Maria Masamba, who worries about the implications of the policy shift on society.

“I’m not talking about being modern or progressive, I’m talking about the very fabric of our society,” Masamba said. “If we start to normalize homosexual relationships within the church, what does that mean for the future of our families, our communities, and the world?” Masamba believes that traditional families are crucial for the preservation of humanity, stating, “I truly believe that allowing homosexuality in the church is not a step forward, but a step backwards – one that could have devastating consequences for generations to come.”

The Zimbabwean delegation had opposed the vote during the General Conference, highlighting the deep divisions within the church on this issue.