Twelve senior pastors from the United Methodist Church (UMC) have resigned in protest over the church’s recent decision to reverse its long-standing condemnation of homosexuality.
Reverend Forbes Matonga, one of the lead figures among the resigning pastors, confirmed the resignations during a press conference held in Harare on Friday morning, 28 March.
In his address, Rev. Matonga said that the church’s recent shift no longer aligns with core Christian teachings. He said:
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Now your beloved church fully embraces this sin and even celebrates it as God’s gift.
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The resignations come after last year’s General Conference of the United Methodist Church in the United States, where church leadership voted 523-161 to revise its Social Principles.
The decision removed language that labeled homosexuality as “incompatible with Christian teaching” and allowed for the ordination and appointment of “self-avowed practicing homosexuals.” The Zimbabwean delegation opposed the vote.
Pastor Maria Masamba warned that this policy shift will have significant implications for marriage and the social fabric. She said:
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I’m not talking about being modern or progressive, I’m talking about the very fabric of our society.
If we start to normalise homosexual relationships within the church, what does that mean for the future of our families, our communities, and the world?
It is a sobering thought, but one we need to consider. The reality is if we don’t have traditional families with a mother and father, we’re not going to have children who can grow up to be doctors and lawyers, etcetera.
It’s not about being old-fashioned or close-minded; it’s about preserving the human race.
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.
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The Zimbabwean Constitution explicitly bans same-sex marriage under Section 78(3), which states that “persons of the same sex are prohibited from marrying each other.”
More: <a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/breaking-12-umc-pastors-resign-over-homosexuality">The Sunday Mail</a>

Pindula News

Twelve pastors from the United Methodist Church quit because the church changed its mind about homosexuality. They think it goes against Christian beliefs. Last year, the church leaders voted to accept homosexuality. Some pastors worry this will harm families and society. In Zimbabwe, same-sex marriage is not allowed by law. The pastors think that allowing homosexuality in the church is bad for the future. They believe traditional families are important for the next generations.

12 United Methodist Church Pastors Resign Over Policy Change On Homosexuality

A United Methodist Church Reverend (pastor) escaped serious injury after congregants ushered him out of the church during a fracas involving his relatives.
Reverend Blessing Saunyama (pictured), who is in charge of the United Methodist Church’s Stream View Circuit in Chikanga, Mutare, was conducting a service when his relatives stormed the church.
Eyewitnesses told The Manica Post that Saunyama’s relatives arrived at the church around midday and demanded to be given a chance to air their grievances against the reverend.
They accused the man of the cloth of causing mayhem in the family through ungodly acts, bordering on wizardry.
Local church elders reportedly blocked Saunyama’s relatives from reaching the pulpit and they responded by shouting obscenities and threatening to assault the reverend.
The Reverend’s relatives accused him of causing the death of several family members. Said a congregant:
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Rev Saunyama was whisked out of the church by congregants as the marauding group was baying for his blood.
Some are alleging that he received a few blows from the angry men, but I did not see it.
What I know is that church elders are the ones who ended up receiving beatings from the relatives who were angry that they (elders) had helped Rev Saunyama escape.
Something serious would have happened if the group had managed to corner Rev Saunyama as they were seething with anger.
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Another church member said police had to be called in to quell the disturbances. She said:
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They said something about having come from Mutasa or Nyanga, I do not remember very well.
They shouted obscenities and accused the reverend of causing deaths within their family.
They were just livid. Police had to be called in to quell the disturbances.
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Reverend Saunyama, however, denied allegations that he was beaten up by his relatives. He said:
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I was never beaten up. Nobody touched me during the disturbances. I am okay emotionally and physically.
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Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson in Manicaland Province, Inspector Nobert Muzondo, said the report about the incident had not yet reached his office. | <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/relatives-attack-reverend-in-church/">The Manica Post</a>

Methodist Reverend Assaulted During Church Service

Africa University (AU) inaugurated Reverend Professor Peter Mageto as the university’s fifth Vice-Chancellor on Saturday, 22 October, while also celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Vice Chancellor Rev Prof Mageto replaces the late Prof Munashe Furusa who died in 2021.
Rev Prof Mageto, who is from Kenya, was Africa University’s interim Vice Chancellor since the death of Prof Furusa.
The new VC was presented with the institution’s symbols which included a mace, medallion, and logo.
The inauguration and anniversary celebrations were done at the institution’s campus.
In giving his inaugural address, Rev Prof Mageto expressed gratitude to the United Methodist Church for sponsoring his education. He said:
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I am grateful to the United Methodist Church for awarding me grants and scholarships for my education. Had it not been for that, I would not be here today.
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He also encouraged congregants to never be limited by other people’s limited visions. | <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/africa-university-turns-30-inaugurates-new-vice-chancellor/">The Manica Post</a>

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