Methodist church regrets Ivory Coast's split from the union as lifting of LGBTQ ban roils Africa

Members of the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe hold placards while protesting at the church premises in Harare, May 30, 2024. A member of the United Methodist Church in Zimbabwe holds a Bible while protesting at the church premises in Harare, May 30, 2024.

Leaders of the United Methodist Church expressed regret over last week's decision by the branch in Ivory Coast to leave the union following the church's decision to repeal a long-standing ban on LGBTQ+ clergy but pledged to accept it.