The Methodist Church in Malaysia (MCM) has re-affirmed its stance that “marriage is an institution established by God for a man and a woman” and that the decision by the Methodist Church in Britain (MCB) to allow same-sex marriage has no implication on Malaysia’s Methodist Church, which is autonomous.

“Heterosexual marriage is God’s created order for humankind, and it is not something based on any culture of the past. It is a divine institution meant for all cultures of all times,” said MCM.

The Methodist Church in Malaysia highlighted three broad areas:

• The Bible is the authoritative word that is “God-breathed”, and written for the purpose of teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). It is not a Word only for the past but for the past, present and future cultures.
• Marriage is an institution established by God for a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24).
• Even as we follow the teachings of the Bible about marriage, we must follow the teachings of the Bible with regards to loving our neighbours. 

Quoting from its Social Principles, which considers same-sex unions incompatible with Christian teachings, MCM added that the pulpit “must not be used to ridicule those who reject the biblical lifestyle”. However the Church “must be faithful to the Word of God that is contained in the Bible”.

“We must not treat the Word of God as an ancient text that can be interpreted according to cultural fashions.”

At the same time, MCM acknowledged that the stance by the MCB affects  Methodists in Malaysia “who genuinely want to know where the church really stands in terms of biblical convictions”.

It noted that the issue has split churches around the world, causing many to grieve.

“Often, the decision is made from the perspective of human rights,” said The Council of Bishops in the MCM letter. 

However, “to argue from the presupposition of human rights is a huge fallacy because each has his own way of interpreting rights and demanding rights”.

“Cultures will change and politics will adjust itself to cultures. We, on the other hand, must be faithful to the teachings of the Bible.”

MCM added that “while we do not accept same-sex union, we affirm that we do not hate those who deviate from the path stated in the Bible. We affirm our love for our neighbours. The doors of our hearts and the doors of our churches are open to anyone who will come to be ministered to, and be on the way to being a true disciple of Jesus Christ our Lord”.

“Let us be prayerful for the Methodist Church in Malaysia,” urged MCM, “and preach the unchanging Word of God faithfully.”

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