By Panashe Kaseke
The United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe (UMCZ) received police clearance to hold a demonstration on May 30, in the capital.
This protest comes after a global conference in the USA where the church voted to allow homosexuality, where 692 national denominations voted in favor of allowing homosexuality in the church against 51 who voted against it, and the Zimbabwean delegation was among the 51 denominations that opposed the decision, arguing it strays from scripture and traditional values. Their demonstration aims to voice opposition to the international ruling.
Police approved the protest under the condition it remains peaceful and lawful. They reserve the right to intervene if public order is threatened.
“Your notification letter to hold a peaceful gathering and make a Press Statement with placards denouncing homosexuality and the departure of the church from the scriptures and doctrine in pursuit of self interest on the 30th of May 2024 at number 10 Harvey Brown, Milton Park has been granted.”
The ZRP has urged the church not to violate Zimbabwean laws.
“Make sure that no Zimbabwean laws are violated. Police will monitor.”
“The Regulating Authority reserves the right to stop the event if it turn out to be a public order threat or violate any Zimbabwean law,” reads the letter.
This development highlights the ongoing debate within religious institutions and our cultural norms and beliefs on LGBTQ rights and the autonomy of local churches to set their own policies. The United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe’s demonstration is expected to draw significant attention and spark further discussions on this contentious issue.
