The United Methodist Church (UMC) Bishop Gift K. Machinga has condemned relationships and marriages of same-sex individuals in their Church saying that the word of God does not tolerate such a taboo and an immoral act.
Speaking to congregants recently, Bishop Machinga revealed that the Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal remain firm to stand with the true word of the gospel, stating that any Pastor who will be found participating or ordaining same-sex unions will be expelled from the Episcopal.
“Here it from me, in our church, we do not tolerate homosexuality. I am speaking representing UMC Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Episcopal. In our Episcopal we do not have preachers who engage in such a bad act; no Pastor is allowed to unite and bless couples of the same sex. Once it comes to light that there is a Pastor uniting people of the same sex in marriage, it is total expulsion from our church.
“Same-sex marriage is totally against the word of God. It is also a taboo in our culture as Zimbabweans, and does not align with our constitution. The constitution criminalises same sex sexual relations,” he said.
Meanwhile, some people who shared their sentiments concerning the bishop’s positions welcomed the declaration, saying that it shows how UMC is committed to both preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and safeguarding the Zimbabwe’s moral fabric.
Justice Manhando said, “Thank you, Bishop, for clarifying this. God created Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve. Homosexuality is a sin and not tolerable in our beloved UMC, even our tradition and constitution say No,” he said.
“The real Bishop who represents heaven, appreciation to Bishop for clarity,” said Liber Maposa.
The United Methodist Church Book of Discipline (BOD) paragraph 161 defines practices that are considered incompatible with Christian teaching, such as same-sex unions, same-sex marriage ceremonies, and being a self-avowed homosexual.
