Editor’s note: On SCAC’s stance regarding homosexuality, item 1.a “Marriage and Divorce” of para 84 “The Family and Marriage” under Part III Social Principles of The Book of Discipline 2012, The Methodist Church in Malaysia stresses that: “the sanctity of the marriage covenant which is expressed in love, mutual support, personal commitment, and shared fidelity between a man and a woman…We reject social norms that assume different standards in marriage. We support laws in civil society that define marriage as the union of one man and one woman, thus we do not support same sex marriage as it is against Christian teachings…” [Social Principles para 84 1.a, The Book of Discipline 2012, The Methodist Church in Malaysia, p32]

Under item 4 “God’s Gift of Sex”, it is stated in 4e that: “We consider the practice of homosexuality to be incompatible with Christian teachings. However, we do recognize that homosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. The Church is committed to provide counseling, healing and guidance as well as the spiritual and emotional support of a caring fellowship.” And it is stated in 4f that: “We believe that the individuals who are confused about their sexual identity need the healing and transforming power of God’s grace rather than sex-change operations.” (p. 34 & 35)

There was also a GCEC sanctioned reaffirmation of this same position of the Methodist Church in Malaysia titled The Position of the Methodist Church in Malaysia on Homosexuality and Same Sex Marriage that was issued on 24 August 2011 through the Episcopal Office then to a specific media context that reads:

“In accordance with the Bible, the position of the Methodist Church in Malaysia on homosexuality is as follows: The Bible forbids all forms of homosexual intercourse, because such acts are abnormal and unnatural.The biblical model of marriage comprises one man and one woman, one husband and one wife. Jesus Christ affirmed and upheld this principle in His discourse on marriage. The Bible is clearly against homosexuality. Therefore, churches that hold fast to biblical belief do not and will not support same sex marriage. Although the church cannot accept or condone homosexuality and same sex marriage, it does not reject homosexuals. The church is willing to extend love, concern and assistance to them. Church services are open to all, including homosexuals. If they are willing to accept counselling, the church will help and care for them. There are Christian organisations that focus on assisting homosexuals in our country. Nevertheless, the church categorically opposes homosexuality and same sex marriage, nor does it approve of supporters of homosexuality propagating same sex marriage in the name of Christianity.” (http://www.methodistchurch.org.my/newsmaster.cfm?&menuid=6&action=view&retrieveid=618)