Methodists: No same-sex unions

THE METHODIST CHURCH in Barbados is sticking to the Scriptures and has no intention of allowing its officials to marry same-sex couples.

That was made clear in a statement released yesterday by Bishop Derick A. Richards of the Methodist Church of the South Caribbean.

“We affirm biblical, traditional, natural marriage as the uniting of one man and one woman in a lifetime covenant commitment. The Scriptures’ teachings on marriage for us as Methodists is non-negotiable. Consequently, our practice remains that no Methodist minister, and furthermore no person acting in the name of the Methodist Church, has the authority to conduct the marriage or bless the union of same-sex partners,” Richards asserted.

He added that the Methodist Church would also strongly encourage all Methodist ministers, leaders and churches to openly reject any mandated legal definition of marriage (civil or otherwise) and to use their influence to affirm God’s design for life and relationships. (BA/PR)