Rev Muzorewa, among other United Methodist Church leaders during a press addresses recently.
By Edward Makuzva
Rev. Gwinyayi Henry Muzorewa and eleven other elders of the United Methodist Church have officially resigned from the denomination, citing disagreements over its stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Their departure is part of a broader rift within the church, as debates over same-sex marriage and LGBTQ+ clergy continue to divide congregations worldwide. The elders argue that the denomination’s position conflicts with their theological beliefs, prompting them to seek a new spiritual path aligned with their convictions.
Rev Muzorewa was speaking at a press conference, Friday in the capital where he reaveled that he had made the difficult decision to resign from the United Methodist Church, along with eleven other esteemed elders. This decision comes as a response to the denomination’s stance on LGBTQ+ inclusion, which I believe conflicts with the biblical teachings and spiritual convictions that have guided my ministry.
“I have always sought to preach the gospel with integrity and remain faithful to the Word of God. However, the ongoing changes within the United Methodist Church have created a deep theological divide that makes it impossible for me to continue serving under its leadership in good conscience. While I respect those who hold different views, I cannot compromise on what I believe to be the truth of Scripture.
“I humbly ask for prayers during this time of transition, both for myself and for everyone facing these challenging moments within the church. May we all seek God’s wisdom, grace, and love as we journey forward”, said Rev Muzorewa,
Speaking at the same occasion, pastor in chief of Murewa Centre Circuit , Rev Fobbes Matonga added that the church has now fully accepted and legalized homesexality one of the cardinal sins forbidden in scriptures both old and new testament.
“Sin is universal. It can not be forbidden in one place and accepted in another in the same church. We believe sin knows no racial, national, ethnic or tribal boundaries.It is a universal human condition.
“I and the elders of the church here present, have resigned from the United Methodist Church with immediate effect because we do not believe the direction the United Methodist Church has decided to take at its last General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the United States of America in May 2024 and endorsed by just ended Africa Central Conference is Godly,” Matonga explained.
Matonga highlighted that most of our members here in Zimbabwe are not aware of what actually was passed by the General Conference of 2024.
“Even most of our clergy members are in the dark. We who were delegates to the General Conference waited did not get the opportunity to report,” he said.
Matonga added that many UMC across Africa have chosen to move out of this now very liberal and ungodly oriented Denomination.
He said the 2019 Special General Conference had given us hope that our beloved denomination will continue to be a beacon of faithfulness in upholding the biblical faith among the protestant churches.
“We were betrayed , only a handful of African bishops stood for what is right. The rest chose comfort and money over preserving the faith entrusted to them ,now things are falling apart,” Matonga added.
Pastor Maria Masamba voiced concerns about the impact of the policy shift, emphasizing its potential consequences for society.
“I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences of accepting homosexual relationships within the church. This issue goes beyond modernity or progressivism; it affects the fundamental structure of our society.
“If we normalize same-sex relationships, we must consider the long-term implications for our families, communities, and the world. The potential impact on traditional family units, where children are raised by a mother and father, is a sobering thought.
“I firmly believe that preserving traditional family values is essential for the continuation of humanity. Allowing homosexuality in the church, in my opinion, would be a step backward, potentially harming future generations,” Masamba explained.
