CCAP defiant on homosexuality
Church of the Central African Presbytery (CCAP) has rejected a proposal by its higher authority of the Presbyterian Church of United States of America (PCUSA) to legalise same sex marriages.
Among its resolutions, the 221st PCUSA general assembly adopted the legalisation of homosexuality.
But in response, CCAP General Assembly in Malawi, comprising synods of Livingstonia, Nkhoma, Blantyre, Harare and Zambia have rejected the proposal, which they deem “theologically wrong and unbiblical”.
In a letter addressed to director of missions the Reverend Dr Hunter Farrel, dated July 18 2014, assembly moderator the Reverend Dr Timothy Nyasulu and secretary general the Reverend Colin M’bawa said they learned with shock the decision taken by PCUSA members.
The reverends said after some time of prayer, soul searching and bible reading, they are convicted that the decision carried by members of the assembly may not be justified biblically as it is an express and open repudiation of the word of God.
“We openly declare this as an abomination and believe this decision does not glorify God; and strengthen His realm of justice, peace and righteousness in any way. The church exists to teach and lead people to salvation and not to bless the means of their damnation.
“No marriage can be sanctioned by the church if the very basis of marriage involves acts that put the couple outside of eternal salvation. The law of God on Marriage is very clear – marriage is a covenant promise before God between man and woman.
“Any contradiction/modification to that as an answer to human rights, justice and righteousness is an anathema to our Christian faith, practice and doctrine,” reads the letter.
The letter further said as much as the church respected the decision by the higher assembly; all its congregations disassociated themselves from homosexuality on the basis that they do not subscribe to it.
“Both the Old and New Testament readings are clear on sexual union of holy matrimony and any modification to that is putting error into the holy Scripture.
“We believe that there was adequate spiritual reflection by the members and if so, we respect the decision taken thereafter,” read the letter.
