Same sex marriages are an abomination—CCAP

Church of the Central African Presbytery (CCAP) General Assembly in Malawi last year elected new office bearers, some of whom attended the 221st general assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (PCUSA). The issue of same sex marriages was part the PCUSA agenda, which also proposed the legalisation of homosexuality. I speaks to secretary general of the local assembly, the Reverend Colin M’bawa on a number of issues tackled since its election, including homosexuality.

Having discussed homosexuality at PCUSA, does it change the church’s stance on the issues?

Much as we respect the decision of the general assembly, we disassociate ourselves as CCAP general assembly (Livingstonia, Nkhoma, Blantyre, Harare and Zambia synods) from same sex marriages. We do not subscribe to this decision because it is theologically wrong and unbiblical. Both the Old and New testaments readings are clear on sexual union of holy matrimony and any modification is putting error into the holy scripture; and we are not in a position to go that way.

Lobbyists are engaging government to legalise abortion.

What is your stand?

We reject the law that would suggest legalisation of abortion, especially on the popular grounds being advocated.

What should be the best dress code for the church?

We encourage church dress to be decent befitting the worshipping of God and therefore, do not approve of miniskirts and women wearing trousers; and anything meant to deliberately attract undue attention or distract others from worshipping.

What are some recommendations made on the border wrangle between Nkhoma and Livingstonia?

At a meeting we held in Lundadzi, Zambia, the five Synods agreed to bury past conflicts, which included the border issue. We all have conviction that the border issue has derailed the churches’ main focus on prophetic ministry and we all want to concentrate on things that matter – that is proclamation of the total gospel holistic for all mankind. We see none of the border conflicts in our prophetic ministry as leading to salvation. I do not think any one of us wants to be lured back into these land disputes because it has no significance in our new direction of spiritual formation for all.

There is a tendency to transfer ministers due to misconduct; is this the best way to deal with such issues?

The issue of ministers being transferred to other places for misbehaviour is something you can check with the synod general secretaries as they are responsible for discipline and transfers. We will only be able to handle this question diligently when the general assembly goes through all issues that seem a deviation from the theological and doctrinal mandates.