As the chaos in the Anglican Church continues, another leader of the Chad Gandiya-led diocese, Reverand Farai Kuwanda of St Aiden’s Church in Seke, was evicted from church premises on Wednesday by the faction allegedly linked to rival leader, Nolbert Kunonga.
Gandiya confirmed the eviction to NewsDay yesterday saying it was a continuation of his members’ persecution by Kunonga who is said to be acting with the blessings of the police.
“I am really perturbed. They are not following the law. They go with the police and our people have no choice but to give in. However, in some areas, police are acting soberly. This is a continuation of the persecution of innocent worshippers,” said Gandiya.
However, another church leader aligned to Gandiya, Julius Zimbudzana of the St Mary’s Church in Highlands — who had been in police cells for two days over allegations of stealing church property valued at $1,5 million — was released on Thursday.
Gandiya described the allegations as trumped-up charges.
Earlier this month in Chinhoyi, another priest, Jonah Mudowayi of St Matthew’s Church, was assaulted, also allegedly by Kunonga-aligned members who intended to evict him.
The mayhem in the church has prompted the imminent visit by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Rowan Williams, next month. Williams, who is scheduled to participate at the church’s 150th anniversary celebrations in Malawi, is expected to seize the opportunity and come to Zimbabwe to try and resolve the impasse.
Reports say he has requested a meeting with President Robert Mugabe, a sympathiser of Kunonga in the wrangle.
