LOBAMBA – His Majesty King Mswati III has declared that Eswatini will not allow the promotion of same sex marriages, stating that the country remains guided by Christian teachings, cultural traditions and moral values.
The King made the remarks yesterday during an Easter service held at Engabezweni Royal Residence in Lobamba. The gathering brought together church leaders and worshippers from across the country for prayer, reflection and theological discussion.
The question of whether same sex marriages should be allowed was raised by male worshippers as one of three topics selected for discussion during the session. At the end of the engagement, the matter was presented directly to the King for guidance. 
Responding before the congregation, His Majesty said the country would not endorse practices he likened to those of biblical Sodom and Gomorrah.
“We will not promote Sodom and Gomorrah,” the King said, drawing loud applause from worshippers who clapped and shouted, “Wena wa Phakathi!”
He referred to the biblical account in which the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by fire, saying such acts were regarded as an abomination. “Even in the Bible, there was Sodom and Gomorrah. God said these things should end there. I am surprised such practices came out from Sodom and Gomorrah to affect the way the universe conducts its affairs now,” he said.
The King expressed concern over global trends where same sex relationships are legalised and, in some instances, promoted. He said there were countries where “men with beards end up being in relationships with each other,” describing such developments as shocking. He further stated that some nations were pressured to adopt these practices under threats of losing aid.
“Ngeke siyipromote iSodom neGomora,” he said.
According to the King, exposure to other countries had shown him that some people assume their lifestyles are universally accepted. However, he noted that many African countries have not embraced such relationships.
The Easter gathering was held in a spirit of worship and reflection, with pastors and congregants engaging in discussions based on the Bible. Six topics were initially proposed but three were chosen and submitted to the King.
His Majesty commended the initiative, saying it demonstrated love for God. “Today we have seen large churches from around the country. We are very happy. God will bless us for what we are doing,” he said.
He added that such platforms allow preachers to teach one another and properly interpret scripture. “Some read the Bible like a novel or a bedtime story, but when pastors sit down and discuss it, everything is explained properly,” he said.
Another issue raised during the discussions concerned strained relationships between parents and children, particularly when children rebel. Pastors had asked what should be done when children disobey their parents and whether they should be denounced or cursed.
Drawing from the parable of the prodigal son, the King urged parents to choose forgiveness.
“Do not curse your children,” he said. “If we look at the prodigal son, the father was able to forgive him. When everything was finished, the son remembered and decided to go back home.”
He recounted how the father welcomed his son and celebrated his return. “When the father saw him, he welcomed him. They even held a party for him. Do not reject or curse your children who have rebelled when they come and ask for forgiveness.”
The King also addressed the issue of family planning, another topic discussed by pastors. He observed that in some cases children are born into poverty and are not properly cared for, which may expose them to negative influences. At the same time, he said every child is a blessing from God regardless of circumstances.
In his closing remarks, the King reflected on the meaning of Easter and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Sometimes people ask whether Jesus is real when he has been quiet. But now we are celebrating the resurrection of Jesus,” he said.
The event included the presentation of tetfulo to His Majesty as a sign of appreciation from the religious community. Bishop Samson Hlatshwayo announced that pastors had presented five head of cattle to the King before his arrival at the marquee where discussions were held.
Pastor Warren Moses and his wife presented E400 in cash for cold drinks and also handed over chickens. Other worshippers brought gifts including pots, fruit and vegetables. Children also presented fruit as tetfulo.
His Majesty and Her Majesty are expected to worship with Christians from different denominations at Somhlolo National Stadium as part of the Easter celebrations marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
