Have you heard the story of a church born from British Methodist missions? It’s the story of Highlands United Methodist Church in Harare. The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe is its legacy. The church’s roots trace back to 1891. British Methodist missions started it all in former Southern Rhodesia. Another branch, the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe came from American influence.
Highlands United Methodist Church gained autonomy in 1977. It separated from the Methodist Church in Britain. The church faced immense challenges during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. During the 1970s church membership declined by almost 50 percent.
After Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, the Highlands United Methodist Church worked hard. It rebuilt its community. The church faced new challenges due to its growth. Nurturing new members required huge efforts and strong leadership. HIV/AIDS caused a high death rate and many orphans. The church has tried to deal with these growing needs of its members. Training became a priority and about 90 percent of the clergy have been trained since 1987. Currently Highlands United Methodist Church has 116 ordained clergy. Fourteen of them are women. There are also 79 student ministers and probationers. Eleven of them are women.
Youth participation is an important aspect of the church. In 1982 just over 16600 young people were involved. By 2003 that number had grown to almost 54000. The Highlands United Methodist Church runs many educational and community programs. It has eleven primary and nine secondary schools. There are also four multipurpose community centres. These centres support women, youth, and non-church groups. Although the schools and centres belong to the church they are used ecumenically. Currently one missionary from the UK works with the Highlands United Methodist Church.
The Highlands United Methodist Church is a member of several important councils. These include the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. It also belongs to the World Methodist Council. The All Africa Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches are also members. Highlands United Methodist Church joined the World Council of Churches in 1985.
The church has a significant presence in Great Britain. It has fellowships in Edinburgh, Leicester, London and Slough. A Methodist Church in Zimbabwe minister, Canaan Banana, became Zimbabwe’s first president. He served from 1980 to 1987.
The United Methodist Church has about 200000 members. These members come from different cultures. They are part of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area. The area divides into two Annual Conferences. These are Zimbabwe East and Zimbabwe West. There are 13 Districts. Bishop Eben Kanukai Nhiwatiwa leads this area. The church entered Zimbabwe from Mozambique in 1897. It was then known as the Methodist Episcopal Church. It became the Methodist Church in 1939. In 1968 it became the United Methodist Church. Bishop Abel Tendekayi Muzorewa was a Methodist bishop and nationalist leader. He was prime minister of the coalition government called Zimbabwe Rhodesia.
The UMC Health Board formed in May 2010. It governs all health issues within the UMC in Zimbabwe. By December 2010 several clinics received supplies. These included drugs, linen, crutches and beds. The Highlands United Methodist Church is more than just a building. It is a vibrant community. It is committed to serving its members and the wider world. The church continues to grow and evolve. It stays rooted in its history and faith. Highlands United Methodist Church addresses the needs of its community. It looks to the future with hope and determination.