Back to Search
Start Over
‘We too are human’: Religious experiences of gay and lesbian Christians in Harare.
- Source :
-
Hervormde Teologiese Studies . 2024, Vol. 80 Issue 2, p1-8. 8p. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- The issue of same-sex relationships is complex in Zimbabwe because of the prevailing hostile legal provisions, and cultural and religious beliefs. While it is a criminal offence to practise same-sex relationships in Zimbabwe, the Constitution of Zimbabwe does not tolerate any discrimination against people. The debate on same-sex relationships has been on spotlight in Zimbabwe since 1995 when the late former President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, disparaged same-sex relationships as not only unnatural and un-African, but also unchristian. The practice of same-sex relationships has since remained politicised in Zimbabwe and elsewhere within the African region and those practising it have often been discriminated against by society. This article used a qualitative methodology to explore the religious experiences of Christians in same-sex relationships in Harare, using insights from the notion of ubuntu. Field data were gathered through social media from purposively selected respondents who were living in same-sex relationships. Findings revealed that these people felt discriminated against and unsafe in their own churches. Based on these findings, it is argued that despite their respective views on same-sex relationships, the African church should respect the dignity of the people involved in these relationships, and should also create safe spaces for them. Contribution: The article promotes sensitivity to the needs of minority groups in the society and encourages the provision of appropriate guidance on how to deal with the phenomenon of same-sex relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 02599422
- Volume :
- 80
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Hervormde Teologiese Studies
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 176059690
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v80i2.8990