LOBAMBA – Should same-sex marriages be allowed?
This was the question male worshippers asked during the Easter service session yesterday, among three topics they had chosen for discussion. It was also the same question presented to His Majesty the King at the end of the session.
In response, the King, speaking at Engabezweni Royal Residence where the service was held, declared that Eswatini would not endorse practices he likened to those of biblical Sodom and Gomorrah, reaffirming the country’s adherence to Christian values, cultural traditions and moral teachings. When the King made this statement, the worshippers responded with resounding applause, clapping in agreement and shouting; “Wena wa Phakathi!”
The King made the remarks during the Easter service gathering attended by church leaders from across the country, where discussions centred on faith, family, morality and national identity. His address, which formed the highlight of the event, followed earlier submissions by senior church leaders who emphasised peace, unity and the protection of Christian values.
“We will not promote Sodom and Gomorrah,” the King said firmly, drawing reference to the biblical story as he spoke against same-sex marriages, which he noted were being legalised and encouraged in some parts of the world.
The Easter gathering, held in a spirit of worship and reflection, brought together pastors and congregants from around the country, who engaged in theological discussions and shared teachings based on the Bible. They selected six topics but ultimately decided on three, which were presented to His Majesty the King for final guidance.
The King commended the initiative, saying it demonstrated love for God. He said Eswatini could not have any other life without God and noted with appreciation that worshippers from congregations across the country were in attendance. “Today we have seen large churches from around the country. We are very happy. God will bless us for what we are doing,” said the King.
He added that a day like this allowed preachers to teach one another and that the Bible contains revelations. “When you translate what it actually says, you begin to see the difference. Some read the Bible like a novel or a bedtime story, but when pastors sit down and discuss it, everything is explained properly,” said the King.
The King noted that the topics discussed during the gathering were not only relevant locally, but also reflected broader global debates, particularly around morality and social values.
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Human rights concerns raised at Engabezweni Easter service
MBABANE – Human rights issues, including same-sex unions, family planning and children’s rights, dominated discussions during the Easter service held at Engabezweni Royal Residence yesterday.
Male pastors under the League of Churches gathered with congregants for the annual service, where clergy men first met to deliberate on issues to be presented before His Majesty the King. Traditionally, the pastors convene during the first half of the service to identify pressing topics affecting the church and society. These are framed as questions and subsequently narrowed down to three for presentation and discussion in the presence of the King. The first topic, presented by Bishop Sipho Simelane of Sitsatsaweni, questioned whether it was acceptable for same-sex marriages to be allowed in the church.
Simelane based his submission on Genesis 1:27-28, which states: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
He said the scripture focussed on procreation as a central purpose of humanity, adding that the church was facing what he described as a serious and urgent challenge as same-sex relationships and marriages continued to gain recognition in some parts of the world.
Simelane told the gathering that the issue required immediate attention, noting that such unions did not align with the biblical directive to ‘be fruitful and multiply’. He further illustrated his point by addressing His Majesty the King, saying leadership itself depended on the existence of people, which in turn depended on procreation. “If there is no procreation, there will be no one to lead,” he said.
Other pastors supported the topic, citing additional scriptures that reinforced the importance of procreation as commanded in the Book of Genesis. They maintained that the church had a responsibility to uphold biblical teachings amid evolving global norms.
Same-sex relationships, commonly referred to as homosexuality, are considered a human right in some countries, based on the principle that fundamental rights are universal, inalienable and apply to all people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. International human rights law prohibits persecution, violence and discrimination, ensuring that individuals can live with dignity, equality and freedom from harm.
The second topic, presented by Pastor Moses Ndzinisa of KaPhunga, focused on family planning and was framed as the question: “Is it okay for Christians to practise family planning?”
Ndzinisa also referenced Genesis 1:27, emphasising the command for human beings to procreate. He further cited Jeremiah 1:4-5, which reads: “Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’”
*Full article available on Pressreader*
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