A Summary: Ivory Coast Splits With UMC but Kenya and Other African Conferences Slow To Follow
Written by Fredrick Nzwili, RNS, Word & Way, June 5, 2024
The United Methodist Church in Ivory Coast has become the first annual conference to leave the denomination following the U.S. church's decision to allow clergy to marry same-sex couples and ordain LGBTQ clergy.
- Reason for departure: The Ivorian conference cited the U.S. church's actions as a departure from biblical principles and a reflection of contemporary cultural values.
- African response: While the Ivorian conference left, other African conferences, including those in Kenya, have maintained their ties with the U.S. church.
- Concerns and hopes: Some African leaders, like former Kenyan Bishop Muthuri, express concerns about the impact of the U.S. church's decisions on their relationships and mission work, but also emphasize the importance of dialogue and maintaining familial ties.
- Key takeaway: The Ivory Coast's departure highlights the significant divisions within the United Methodist Church globally over LGBTQ issues, particularly between African and American conferences.
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