Words from our Brothers and Sisters in the CRC in East Africa

In this new series, The Abide Project will post responses to the Human Sexuality Report and Synod 2022 from denominations around the world that are connected to the Christian Reformed Church. These connections, like the one below, could be from denominations that have ecumenical relations to the CRC.

RESPONSE FROM CRCEA ON MATTERS OF MARRIAGE AND SEXUALITY.

CRCEA is in full support of CRCNA synod 2022 decision to make matters of marriage and sexuality confessional.

This topic has no other origin other than from the scripture. The foundation of all teachings and practices should be traced from the original source, who is God who created all things in the beginning by Him, through Him and for Him. That is the starting point.

Genesis 2: 23-24, says “And Adam said, this is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of man.  Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they shall become one flesh” This means that The Creator originally made man and woman for each other, male and female. God created this organic union of two sexes.  The first wedding in the Bible in the Garden of Eden was between a man and a wife. This set the example for all future marriages.

The question of the ultimate origin of sexual orientation is not yet definitively answered, but there is very little evidence that anyone is inherently of alternative sexual orientation. In 1993, scientific literature critique by Byne and Parsons in Archives of General psychiatry reviewed the major studies on the subject and found no evidence favoring sexual orientation being either genetically or biologically determined. Whatever genes are involved to develop heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation represent predispositions, not predeterminations. Predisposition is not destiny.

The scripture is fundamental in understanding and appreciating the fact that homosexuality or same sex acts are not biblical, it’s a secondary form of sexual unchastity which is not only unbiblical but unnatural. The fact that God created male and female for that wonderful mystical union that bonds the two together, means that there are in-depth benefits of sex which cannot be experienced by couples of the same sex. The benefits include real sexual love and procreation. Sex and marriage between people of the same sex is a form of ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. The world has suppressed the truth in unrighteousness.  Romans 1:21 – says, “Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools. Verses 24-25, say, “Therefore, God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts to dishonor their bodies among themselves. Who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the creator …” Verses 26-27 say, “For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise, also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”

In Africa, and especially in East Africa, the matters of same sex is actually foreign and in most communities, unheard of. Even mentioning homosexuality to many is a taboo. People still maintain the natural relationship between a man and woman.

I would like therefore, to say that the CRCNA should come up with a form of confession on marriage and sexuality which is biblically based and supported by natural justice to defend sexuality for posterity. The confession should state the position of the church in matters of marriage and sexuality.  The CRCNA is a worldwide denomination on which other smaller denominations like CRCEA look to for a lot of spiritual guidance in such critical subjects as this. CRCEA being a fraternal partner of CRCNA, copies a lot from CRCNA. CRCNA should set the pace and be the example to be emulated. The issue of marriage and sexuality is sensitive but should be handled firmly by maintaining the supremacy of the Word of God. I wish you well.

God bless,

Rev. Martin Wanjala

General Secretary

Christian Reformed Church in East Africa