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>

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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

The Traditional Medical Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (TMPCZ) has directed all traditional healers and faith healers to be registered for them to continue practising.
This comes after the Ministry of Health and Child Care directed faith healers and herbalists from both churches and traditional religion to obtain licences for their operations.
In a recent statement, TMPCZ directed unregistered Traditional Health Practitioners to register in their respective provinces. Reads the statement:
The Traditional Medical Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (TMPCZ) hereby gives notice to all unregistered Traditional Health Practitioners to go and register in their respective provinces. The required categories are:
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1. Traditional Healers/Faith Healers, including Prophets and Apostles/Bishops/Traditional Birth Attendants/Spirit Mediums
2. Churches
3. Local and Foreign Traditional Medical Associations
4. Associations representing all categories of different practitioners
5. Herbalists/Herbal Gardens/Traditional Wholesalers/Shops
6. Distributors/Manufacturers of Traditional Medicine
7. Traditional Surgeries/Clinics
8. Training Institutions
The council kindly informs Practitioners that it is a legal requirement to register with the TMPCZ in terms of the Traditional Medical Practitioners Act Chapter 27:14 (Act 38/1981, 6/2000(s. 151), 22/2001 (s. 4), 14/2022 (s. 42)).
Chapter 27:14 Part VI Section 31 stipulates that a person who practices or carries the business as a traditional medical practitioner without being registered is liable to a fine not exceeding (US$400.00) or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years or to both such fine and such imprisonment.
Traditional Medical Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe is a public entity under the purview of the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
We expect that by the end of March 2023, all legal abiding practitioners will have paid their practicing licenses.
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