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<p>A self-proclaimed prophet, Tapuwa Freddy was allegedly caught in an exam cheating storm last week at a local university, <em>Zim Morning Post</em> reports.</p>
<p>Freddy reportedly smuggled a mobile phone into the exam room at the Women’s University of Africa where he was writing a Theology exam.</p>
<p>The clergyman, who is the founder and leader of Goodness and Mercy Ministries, mistakenly dropped the phone from his lap and walked out of the room in shame. A classmate told the publication:</p>
<blockquote><p>He smuggled the phone and hid it on his lap but I don’t know how he dropped the phone. He left the exam room in a huff before the invigilator confronted him.</p>
<p>It was an embarrassing episode and classmates made fun of him, questioning why he failed to use the spiritual spectacles to spot the exams.</p></blockquote>
<p>The publication further reported that University authorities refused to comment on the matter.</p>
<p>Efforts to get a comment from T Freddy were compounded by his office’s demand for a ZWL3 000 booking fee.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, his secretary said he was busy with exams and did not respond to questions emailed to him.</p>
<p>T Freddy gained fame in religious circles as a result of his “ability” to reveal hidden secrets using “spiritual spectacles”.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/prophet-t-freddy-in-exam-cheating-storm/">Zim Morning Post</a></strong></h4>


Pindula News

Prophet T Freddy In Exam Cheating Storm - Report

<p>Tafadzwa Makandiwa, young brother to founder and leader of United Families International Church (UFIC) Emmanuel Makandiwa, was last week involved in a road accident that left his vehicle extensively damaged.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/232170680668418/posts/861812901037523/?app=fbl"><em><strong>ZimCelebs</strong></em></a>, Tafadzwa, a pastor in his own right, was driving a Toyota Fortuner on his way from Shamva when the accident occurred on 19 March 2021.</p>
<p>The crash was allegedly caused by a suspicious Isuzu truck that followed Makandiwa and his two colleagues on their way to, and back from Shamva.</p>
<p>While driving to Shamva in the afternoon, the Isuzu truck reportedly forced Makandiwa to make a sudden stop and on his way back to Harare 5 hours later, the same unregistered vehicle showed up again on a stretch of road, changed lanes and drove directly towards the Toyota Fortuner.</p>
<p>In an attempt to avoid a head-on collision, the driver of the Toyota Fortuner swerved off the road and hit a huge tree and the car overturned and rolled twice before landing on its wheels again.</p>
<p>The accident was reported at Shamva police station.</p>
<p>All three occupants of the Toyota Fortuner were unhurt but went to the trauma centre for X-rays immediately after the accident.</p>
<p>It is alleged that days before the accident, suspicious people had been sending threats to Makandiwa family members.</p>
<p>See the pictures below. Credit: ZimCelebs</p>


Makandiwa's Brother Survives Suspicious Car Crash - Report

<p>Charismatic preacher Uebert Mudzanire, popularly known as Prophet Uebert Angel, recently visited Chiredzi where he promised locals that he will bring investors to the Lowveld.</p>
<p>Angel, a British-Zimbabwean preacher and the founder of Good News Church, formerly Spirit Embassy, was last week appointed Presidential Envoy and Ambassador at Large to Europe and the Americas by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.</p>
<p>He travelled to Chiredzi District in Masvingo Province a day after his appointment where he met a group of businesspeople.</p>
<p>Angel was accompanied by the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo, Ezra Chadzamira.</p>
<p>Techmag TV reported a source saying Angel met several business people in the district where he pledged to lure 20 investors. The source said:</p>
<blockquote><p>Yes, it’s true the ambassador was here and met business people in this community. He promised to revive this area by luring investors to come to Chiredzi. He said he will lure 20 investors.</p></blockquote>
<p>The lanky preacher’s visit to Chiredzi may raise a few eyebrows after the district recently made headlines over the government’s mooted effort to displace more than 12 500 families in Chilonga.</p>
<p>The government allocated thousands of hectares of land that belongs to the local Shangaan community to Dendairy, a Midlands-based dairy company to grow grass for its cows.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.techmag.tv/angel-in-controversial-chiredzi-visit/">Techmag TV</a></strong></h4>


Uebert Angel Visits Chiredzi, Pledges To Bring Investors

<p>An apostolic sect church leader is reportedly wearing 2 different cloaks as he has admitted that he is a prophet sometimes and if need be, he will exchange the prophet’s cloak for the traditional healer (sangoma)’s cloak to help those who come to him looking for solutions to life’s various problems, The Sunday Mail reports.</p>
<p>Bishop Cuthbert Nyaruvenda, the founder of Sangano Dzvene Revapostori Church admitted to the Sunday Mail that he dips in both ponds of Christianity and traditionalism which is viewed by some as 2 distinctly different roles from different worlds that cannot mix.</p>
<p>Recently the controversial leader is said to have conducted a religious ceremony at his church where traditional beer and traditional snuff (Bute) was present and his church congregants gladly drank the traditional beer and took turns to take the snuff.</p>
<p>In an interview, Bishop Nyaruvenda reportedly said there was absolutely nothing wrong with practising faith and traditional healing at the same time:</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">It started as a suggestion. I noticed that many of my followers have problems that can only be solved through traditional healing. After a church service, I called upon those that would want to have their problems solved the traditional way to stay behind. </span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">I was shocked by the response. The majority of the congregation stayed behind and what followed was a day in which evil spirits were cast away the traditional way.</span></p>
<p class="p3"><span class="s2">I said it before and I am going to say it again: Most people, among them well-known religious leaders, are hypocrites.</span><span class="s2">During the day, they will be busy castigating traditional healing yet these are people that come to seek our services during the night. </span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The Vapostora Bishop also said people were made to believe that African Spirits are demons:</p>
<blockquote><p>In our traditional beliefs, we have the spirits and in Christianity these are the angles. Unfortunately, the majority of our people were deliberately misinformed and believe that African spirits are demons</p></blockquote>
<p>People who commented on the issue said it was impossible for one man to be both a traditionalist and a Christian and Bishop Nyaruvenda must choose one side and not pick both.</p>
<p>More: <strong><a href="https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/prophet-by-day-sangoma-by-night">The Sunday Mail </a></strong></p>


Vapostora Bishop Doubles As A Prophet During The Day And A Sangoma At Night

<p>President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday commissioned evangelical preacher Prophet Uebert Angel as Presidential envoy and Ambassador At Large to the America’s and Europe.</p>
<p>Angel and his wife, Beverly held a meeting with President Mnangagwa this afternoon at State House in Harare where he was conferred with that role.</p>
<p>See the pictures below:</p>
<p><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ewr0vUXWQAEHAyD?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ewr0v03W8AAP2I5?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ewr0wVCWEAUNzTV?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ewr0w3UXAAgNwth?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Uebert Angel Appointed Special Presidential Envoy &amp; Ambassador at Large" decoding="async" src="https://i1.wp.com/cy4ad5.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Prophet-Uebert-Angel-and-President-Emmerson-Mnangagwa-Ambassador-004.jpg?resize=1170%2C780&amp;ssl=1"/></p>
<p>A document by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade defines the Goodwill Ambassador as a post-nominal honorific title, a professional occupation or authoritative designation that is assigned to a person who advocates for a specific cause or global issue on the basis of their notability as a public figure. It says:</p>
<blockquote><p>Goodwill ambassadors generally deliver goodwill by promoting ideals or positions from one entity to another, or to a population to establish a benevolent relationship.</p>
<p>The persons appointed would have wide knowledge, expertise and experience either in specific fields or broad areas that contribute to the attainment of foreign policy goals of the country.</p>
<p>Cooperation between the Government and Churches could make religious freedom and worship an important aspect of our foreign policy.</p>
<p>Goodwill Ambassadors for the different geographical regions of the world could be appointed, representing various denominations that originate in Zimbabwe or have close links with the country.</p></blockquote>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/uebert-angel-earmarked-for-goodwill-ambassador-post/">ZBC News</a></strong></h4>


PICTURES: Eubert Angel Appointed Presidential Envoy And Ambassador At Large To The America’s & Europe

<p>United Methodist Church’s leading missionaries Isaac Mawokomatanda has died, Newsday reports. According to the publication, Mawokomatanda died in the US state of Georgia and his death was confirmed by his son Sam who told the publication that his father died after a long illness.</p>
<p>Said Sam Mawokomatanda to the publication:</p>
<blockquote><p>We give thanks to God for his life and witness. We find comfort in each other and in our faith, which reminds us of God’s intention for life. In God, we have the hope and promise of the resurrection and a life that knows no end. While the sting of death is deep, we remain resilient</p></blockquote>
<p>Speaking to the publication, Sam gave a brief summary of his father’s illness and said:</p>
<ul>
<li>He was hospitalized in 2019.</li>
<li>He (Sam) had to take a leave of absence from work to care for his father</li>
<li>Mawokomatanda seemed to have been on the path to recovery, until December last year when he was readmitted into hospital again</li>
<li>He had been in hospital since 12 December until his death on Saturday.</li>
</ul>
<p>Mawokomatanda who was ordained to be a minister in the Methodist church in 1968 reportedly planted several Methodist churches in Zimbabwe, The US, and South Africa. He was 79 at the time of his death.</p>
<p>More: <strong><a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/03/top-methodist-missionary-maokomatanda-dies/">Newsday</a></strong></p>


Methodist Missionary Isaac Mawokomatanda Dies

<p>Emmanuel Makndiwa’s sermon in which he said “we don’t like Jesus’s instruction” has sparked controversy with some calling him a non-believer.</p>
<p>He was teaching on “love your enemies” from Matthew 5: 44. Jesus had instructed his audience to pray for those who persecuted them. Reads the verse:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong><sup class="versenum">Matt 5: 44 </sup></strong>But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;</p></blockquote>
<p>Responding to the verse, Emmanuel Makandiwa said:</p>
<blockquote><p>Pray for them, those that are despising us and those that are persecuting us we pray for them? Do you like that? We don’t like that. You see, the reason why we don’t like it it’s against something within us. That goes to show how then power gets unlocked if we are to obey that because it’s not our idea. If we liked that, that would make that our idea, there is no act of obedience, there is no submission to scripture. It has to be something that you don’t enjoy doing and by doing it, it becomes an act of obedience to an external instruction. Something is telling you what to do and that something is not yourself, that something is God.</p></blockquote>
<p>Below is the part of the sermon which social media users have been quoting.</p>
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="360" id="video-197953-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/MAKANDIWA-EMMANUEL-I-DONT-LIKE-WHAT-JESUS-SAID.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/MAKANDIWA-EMMANUEL-I-DONT-LIKE-WHAT-JESUS-SAID.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/MAKANDIWA-EMMANUEL-I-DONT-LIKE-WHAT-JESUS-SAID.mp4</a></video></div>
<p>There is the <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=4713&amp;v=2acXJIY0VmM&amp;feature=youtu.be">full video in which he explains what he meant.</a> </strong></p>

Makandiwa's "I Don't Like Jesus' Instruction" Remarks Spark Controversy

<p>A Gwanda family is reportedly living in fear after an invisible creature attacked them with stones.</p>
<p>Miss Portia Zhou narrated her ordeal to ZBC News and said her family is gripped by fear as the attacks sometimes become rampant and violent. She said:</p>
<blockquote><p>It has been happening for a while now, stones are thrown on the roof. At first, we thought it was thieves or someone making fun of us until now when the stones have become rampant that we even get these attacks during the day.</p>
<p>We called our neighbors and they searched where the stones were coming from, they did not see anyone but stones kept coming, we are worried.</p></blockquote>
<p>ZBC News reports that neighbors confirmed to have also received their fair share of attacks for providing the tormented family with refuge.</p>
<blockquote><p>When our neighbor came to tell us, we thought it’s a joke until a huge pebble missed my leg. I am in a state of shock. I am leaving the house to sleep at my sister-in-law’s place.</p></blockquote>
<p>Another resident also claimed to have seen the stones and is convinced it is the work of dark and invisible forces. Said the resident:</p>
<blockquote><p>I came to look for whoever was attacking them, but I and my other guys we just saw stones being thrown, but we didn’t see the person throwing them. These are goblins I tell you.</p></blockquote>
<p>Last year, the Gwanda <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/11/28/popular-prophet-roped-in-to-solve-gwanda-mystery/">community roped in a popular prophet</a> in a bid to address the issue of an invisible creature that was reportedly killing men at Mtshabezi River.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, stories of mysterious creatures tormenting families have throughout history been dismissed as mere superstition.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/gwanda-family-pelted-by-mysterious-stones/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ZBC News</a></strong></p>


Invisible Creature Attacks Gwanda Family With Stones

<p>Zimbabwe’s mainline churches have urged citizens to have confidence in vaccines, saying being vaccinated will help curb the spread of the coronavirus.</p>
<p>The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference secretary-general, Father Frederick Chiromba, called upon the government to make COVID-19 vaccines accessible to all people. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>The church recommends vaccines for all for a fairer and healthier world. Covid-19 vaccines must be made available and accessible to all. The church is at the service of healing the world.</p>
<p>There is a lot being discussed about vaccination. In the final analysis, it is better to be vaccinated than not against the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p>There is a lot being discussed about vaccination. In the final analysis it is better to be vaccinated than not against the Covid-19 pandemic.</p></blockquote>
<p>The secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) Rev Kenneth Mtata said front line workers such as nurses and doctors should be prioritised in the vaccination roll-out programme. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>We have enough vaccines to drive herd immunity. We support the vaccine with the revamping of the health system.</p></blockquote>
<p>On Monday Zimbabwe received a donation of 200 000 Sinopharm doses from the Chinese government and 600 000 more are expected in the country within the next three weeks.</p>
<p>The country is also set to get more doses from China, Russia, United Kingdom, India and others through purchase and donations.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/churches-hail-govt-urge-vaccine-acceptance/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Herald</a></strong></h4>


Churches Give Coronavirus Vaccination Thumbs Up

<p>The Anglican Church’s Diocese of Harare has appealed to congregants to help one of its bishops who lost five family members in a space of few weeks.</p>
<p>In a letter dated February 4, the Bishop of the Harare Diocese, Right Reverend Dr Farai Mutamiri, notified church members that Bishop Jonathan Siyachitema lost his wife Rosemary, the executive director of the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe.</p>
<p>Mutamiri also revealed that Bishop Siyachitema’s daughters, Elizabeth and Rosemary, as well as brother, Reverend Fanuel Siyachitema, and sister, Mrs Judith Bindu, had all succumbed to COVID-19. He wrote:</p>
<blockquote><p>As your bishop I am, therefore, appealing to you that, we create a platform at the diocesan level, to pull our little resources together (<em>chema</em>) which we can handover to the family as the diocese of Harare.</p>
<p>This is to try and mitigate the financial challenges that go with the handling of funerals.</p>
<p>May you extend this appeal to guilds and individuals in our churches.</p></blockquote>
<p>Mutamiri also consoled the Siyachitema family, assuring that they were in the church’s prayers and encouraged them to draw strength from the Word of God. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>As a church, we pray for the Lord Almighty to give him the strength to hold on to his faith even in these dark hours of his life.</p>
<p>May God heal their broken hearts and bring that peace which passes all understanding throughout this sad and sorrowful phase in the family’s life.</p>
<p>May Bishop Jonathan also draw strength from the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 71.</p></blockquote>


Anglican Bishop Loses 5 Family Members To COVID-19

<p>Local church leaders under the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) will meet next week in a bid to broker dialogue between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition political leaders meant to end the nation’s polarisation and toxic politics.</p>
<p>Speaking to the <em>Daily News</em> on Thursday, ZHCOD executive secretary Reverend Kenneth Mtata said the churches’ position in calling for a broad-based national dialogue since 2016 has not changed. Said Mtata:</p>
<blockquote><p>The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations executive is meeting next week, on a date yet to be agreed on, and the issue of dialogue and the possibility of engaging Sadc are high on the agenda in view of the prevailing political climate in the country.</p>
<p>The meeting will discuss how, as the Church, we can go about ensuring that the talks become a reality, rather than mere talk.</p>
<p>This is because the position of the Church has not changed since we brought up this idea way back in 2016 … The challenges facing the country can only be resolved through a broad-based national dialogue.</p>
<p>While I cannot pre-empt what will come out before the meeting has been held, we will have a definitive position next week after the ZHOCD executive meeting.</p></blockquote>
<p>In 2019, ZHOCD called for the suspension of all political contestation for a period of seven years saying the move will allow for the rebuilding of trust and confidence in order to chart a shared way forward towards a comprehensive economic recovery path in a non-competitive political environment.</p>
<p>ZHOCD include the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), the Union For Development of Apostolic and Zionist Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA) and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ).</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/clerics-move-to-kick-start-talks-as-national-dialogue-momentum-gathers-steam/?fbclid=IwAR1vJ50m0ZmFy81SFTaq1UNfg_TAeFpJCmdBy1MWpM8-sHZxrfbqb3w2onw" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Daily News</a></strong></h4>


Churches Renew Push For National Dialogue

<p>The Association of Apostolic Churches of Zimbabwe (AACZ) president Archbishop Tsungai Vushe has urged members of the Apostolic churches who were reportedly seen in some plains across the country congregating and seeking prayers from their leaders that it is illegal to do so, The Sunday News reports.</p>
<p>According to the publication, Vushe urged those seeking prayers from their leaders to first get tested before doing so and said:</p>
<blockquote><p>My advice to members and to those who approach our members seeking prayers is that they should get tested of Covid-19 first. This pandemic kills and people should adhere to the set guidelines as pronounced by the Government.</p>
<p>Let me also hasten to say Covid-19 pandemic is there and it kills. God helps those who help themselves, believing and listening is what made Abraham be a favourite of God.</p>
<p>I want to call on all Christians in Zimbabwe regardless of the denomination to follow the guidelines of lockdown which were put in place by the Government and stop all gatherings because coronavirus can kill us all even if we are wearing church garments.</p></blockquote>
<p>This comes after photos of Vapostora congregating in some areas in Zimbabwe including Harare circulated on social media despite the government’s directive prohibiting congregations.</p>
<p>More: <strong><a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/apostolic-churches-warned-against-congregating/">The Sunday News  </a></strong></p>


Those Seeking Prayers From Our Members Should Get Tested For COVID-19 First - Vapostora

<p>Luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton seems to have withdrawn yoga mat made from cowhide leather from sale on its various country websites after Hindus protested, calling the product “highly inappropriate”.</p>
<p>When searched for “yoga mat” at various Louis Vuitton country websites in Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Middle East; results came out as: “Not Available”, “No results were found for the keyword “yoga mat””, “Information not available”, “Out of stock”, “Unfortunately no further information is available”, etc.</p>
<p>Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed; who spearheaded the protest and was backed by Christian, Jewish and Buddhist leaders; in a statement in Nevada (USA) today; thanked Louis Vuitton for understanding the concerns of Hindu community, which found such a product quite insensitive.</p>
<p>In a remarkable interfaith gesture; well-respected Lutheran pastor Chad R. Adamik, eminent Jewish rabbi ElizaBeth Webb Beyer and esteemed Buddhist priest Matthew T. Fisher; supporting the Hindu call, recently stated: Companies like Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) should be better educated and equipped in religious and cultural sensitivities to understand the feelings of customers and communities when introducing new products or launching advertising campaigns.</p>
<p>Adamik, Beyer, Fisher and Zed had pointed out that they were all for the freedom of artistic creativity, entrepreneurship, expression and speech; but faith was something sacred, and attempts at trivializing it hurt the followers.</p>
<p>Zed, who is President of the Universal Society of Hinduism, in today’s statement, mentioned that they were, however, still waiting for an apology from LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, Louis Vuitton CEO Michael Burke and Louis Vuitton Executive Vice President Delphine Arnault displaying seriousness about the LVMH vision of “ethical responsibility”. He also urged the company to remove if any of these yoga mats were still available at their brick-and-mortar stores or at resellers’ websites. He also suggested that companies like LVMH should send their senior executives for training in religious and cultural sensitivity.</p>
<p>Rajan Zed had said that this yoga mat seemed ridiculing and offending two serious concepts of Hinduism—cow and yoga—and was hugely insensitive to Hindu feelings.</p>
<p>Scenario of yoga (profound, sacred and ancient discipline; introduced and nourished by Hinduism) being performed on a mat made from a killed cow (the seat of many deities, which was sacred and had long been venerated in Hinduism) was painful to Hindu sentiments; Zed had indicated.</p>
<p>LVMH, whose “Code of Conduct” included “Acting Responsibly and with Social Awareness”; should not be in the business of religious appropriation, sacrilege, mocking serious spiritual practices and ridiculing entire communities; Rajan Zed had noted.</p>
<p>Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about 1.2 billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken frivolously. Practices/concepts/traditions of any faith, larger or smaller, should not be ridiculed at; Zed had stated.</p>
<p>Yoga, which found reference in world’s oldest extant scripture <em>Rig-Veda</em> and other early Hindu texts, is considered union with God, one of the six systems of Hindu philosophy, and mean for transforming consciousness and purification of the Self and attaining liberation. It involved withdrawal and its objective was the state of blissful liberation, Rajan Zed had pointed out.</p>
<p>Description of this beige mat (priced at $2,390 and made with cowhide leather) previously at the company’s USA website claimed: “Meditative stretching takes on a sleek bent with the Louis Vuitton yoga mat”.</p>
<p>Louis Vuitton, is one of the 75 “houses” of LVMH headquartered in Paris, “a family-run group” which claims “world leader in high-quality products” whose reported sales in 2019 were €53.7 billion. LVMH, whose history goes back to 1593, also claims to be the only group present in all five major sectors of the luxury market:  Wines &amp; Spirits, Fashion &amp; Leather Goods, Perfumes &amp; Cosmetics, Watches &amp; Jewelry and Selective Retailing.</p>


Louis Vuitton Withdraws Yoga Mat After Hindu Protest

<p>Pope Francis’ personal doctor, Fabrizio Soccorsi, has died as a result of “complications due to Covid,” CNN cited a Saturday announcement by the Vatican’s newspaper L’Osservatore Romano.</p>
<p>Pope Francis chose Soccorsi as a personal doctor in 2015. He was 78 years old when he died.</p>
<p>Soccorsi was hospitalised in Rome on December 26 for a previous oncological disease, according to the Italian Bishop’s Conference newspaper Avvenire. It’s unclear exactly when he was last in direct contact with Pope Francis.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the head of the Roman Catholic Church said the Vatican will begin Covid-19 vaccinations this week and that he is in line to receive the shot.</p>
<p>The pontiff made the comments during an interview with Italy’s Canale 5 channel, which was set to air on Sunday night (yesterday).</p>
<p>According to a news anchor for the channel in a preview of the interview, which was released Saturday, Pope Francis said:</p>
<blockquote><p>It is an ethical duty to take the vaccine, here in the Vatican we will start next week, I am also in line to take it.</p></blockquote>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/coronavirus-pandemic-vaccine-updates-01-10-21/h_e979352feb2e66eaffd7275117d350e4?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twCNN&amp;utm_content=2021-01-11T02%3A45%3A01&amp;utm_term=image" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CNN</a></strong></h4>


Pope Francis' Personal Doctor Succumbs To COVID-19

<p>Pastor Cassum Chiangwa who leads the breakaway faction of the AFM in Zimbabwe church was reportedly turned away at Robert Gabriel Mugabe Aiport for attempting to board a plane to Dubai using fake COVID-19 free certificates, ZimMorning post reports.</p>
<p>The Pastor was reportedly intending to travel with his wife to Dubai in December when the incident occurred. A source reportedly told the publication that the couple missed their flight and the scene was embarrassing:</p>
<blockquote><p>Oveeseer Chiangwa and his wife were denied exit at RGM airport after security and immigration officials questioned the authenticity of their Covid-19 certificates.</p>
<p>They had to miss the flight and the scene was so embarrassing considering their social standing.</p></blockquote>
<p>When contacted for comment Reverend Chiangwa reportedly denied that they had fake COVID-19 documents but said his wife’s VISA had issues:</p>
<blockquote><p>I do agree that we were turned away at the airport and missed our flight. What transpired is that my wife’s visa failed to read on the scanners and immigration said as a matter of protocol we can’t go through. We ran around trying to rectify but with no joy.</p>
<p>We later learnt that in Dubai they don’t work on Fridays hence the delay in sorting out the visa challenge but we eventually flew out Saturday afternoon</p>
<p>I am not aware of any suspicion on our Covid-19 certificates, we followed proper testing channels and went to Lancet (laboratories)</p></blockquote>
<p>Chiangwa has a fallout with then AFM President Madzivire which resulted in him breaking away from the mother church and becoming the leader of the faction he now leads.</p>
<p>More: <strong><a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/dubai-bound-afm-leader-chiangwa-wife-turned-away-from-rgm-airport-in-suspected-fake-covid-19-certificates-storm/">ZimMorning Post </a></strong></p>


AFM Pastor Chiangwa Turned Away At RGM Airport Over Suspected COVID-19 Certificates

<p>The United Family International Church (UFIC) has criticised self-styled prophet Urbert “Angel” Mudzanire for allegedly working in cahoots with another self-styled prophet Jay Israel to blackmail Emmanuel Makandiwa.</p>
<p>This comes after Israel alleged that Angel masterminded a plot to extort money from Makandiwa, who is the founder and leader of UFIC.</p>
<p>In a video recorded on November 19 this year, at around 2300 hours, Israel and businesswoman Blessing Mashangwa, a former UFIC member, were recorded planning on how to blackmail Makandiwa.</p>
<p>According to the leaked video, Mashangwa, who is now divorced from her husband Upenyu, was told to claim that she was Makandiwa’s second wife.</p>
<p>After the plot was exposed, Israel later claimed Mashangwa was working with Angel to smear Makandiwa, while Mashangwa claimed that she had been dating Israel a few months after her divorce.</p>
<p>UFIC spokesperson Pastor Prime Kufa said they always knew of Angel’s sinister agenda but were shocked that he would go as far as trying to cook the scandal. Said Kufa:</p>
<blockquote><p>Although we knew Prophet Angel’s sinister agenda against our Father, we are shocked he would go this far into the gutter all because of brotherly jealousy.</p>
<p>It’s more painful considering what our Father did for him when he started his ministry here in Zimbabwe.</p>
<p>However, our gospel stands on the truth and, as usual, the truth sets us free.</p></blockquote>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/12/plot-to-extort-makandiwa-exposed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></strong></h4>


'Prophet' Angel Criticised Over 'Evil' Plot Against Makandiwa

<p>President Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour at the fourth Annual National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service this Sunday (today), a prominent cleric has said.</p>
<p>Reverend Andrew Wutaunashe, the founder of the Family of God Church and chairman of Faith for the Nation Campaign, said the event is held every last Sunday of the year to thank God for help in the things achieved in the past year.</p>
<p>The event will be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds, as has been the case since its inception a few years ago.</p>
<p>Wutawunashe also said the annual event is the President’s, and as “the King”, he represents the nation before God. Said Wutaunashe:</p>
<blockquote><p>This is the fourth service of the National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service that was agreed with the churches and the President that the last Sunday of the year they gather people of all denominations and sectors of society to acknowledge in thanksgiving to the Lord, for help in the things achieved in 2020 or past year.</p>
<p>In every one of these services, we are hoping to capture the concept of the King and the prophets in the word of God, that the King presents the nation before the Lord.</p>
<p>This is why all the services are actually the President’s services as the guest of honour.  He is coming tomorrow to officiate and our keynote address will be delivered by him.</p></blockquote>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/president-in-byo-for-thanksgiving-service/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday News</a></strong></h4>


'As King, President Mnangagwa Represents The Nation Before God' - Wutaunashe

<p>Bulawayo-based controversial preacher, Mduduzi Dube, popularly known as Black Elisha, said he will use his powers to stop road accidents from occurring during this year’s festive season.</p>
<p>Black Elisha, who insists he is not a traditional healer or anything of that sort, vowed to use his spiritual “padlock” to block accidents. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>It’s now a norm that when it’s the festive season, death, especially from road accidents, is the order of the day, but we have to put a stop to that.</p>
<p>We can’t let the devil take away more of what he has taken from us this year. Already the year has been the worst ever and we lost many people, friends, relatives, workmates and congregants.</p>
<p>During the festive season, the devil will be praying for more bloodshed and we should pray against that. I have been on the mountain over the issue. God showed me that we should continue using the ‘spiritual padlock’ to curb carnages.</p>
<p>Prayer defeats the works of the devil and with the spiritual padlock through God, we shall see through a prosperous new year filled with the creator’s blessings.</p></blockquote>
<p>Black Elisha is the founder and leader of Christ Life Generation Church which congregates in Old Magwegwe, Bulawayo.</p>
<p>According to data from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), 138 people died in 1 518 road accidents during the three weeks of the festive period from December 13, 2019, to January 6, 2020.</p>
<p>During that period, a total of 565 people were injured in the accidents.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2020/12/13/black-elisha-vows-to-block-xmas-accidents/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Standard</a></strong></h4>


'Black Elisha' Vows To Use 'Spiritual Padlock' To Stop Christmas Accidents

<p>President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday attended the groundbreaking for the Temple of the Latter Day Saints. The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services posted on Twitter saying the premises will be the first Temple for the church in Zimbabwe. See pictures below.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpBT74wXUAETmUa?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpBT-NKXMAEVgbn?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpBUAVhWEAEdXG-?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/><img decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpBUBNsW4AErMyC?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/></p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://twitter.com/InfoMinZW/status/1337661483115802625" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services</a></strong></p>


PICTURES: HE Mnangagwa Attends Temple Groundbreaking

<p>The Gwanda community has for years been reportedly terrorised by a mysterious creature which reportedly lies hidden in Mtshabezi River near Mtshabezi Bridge.</p>
<p>The creature is said to have claimed the lives of a number of men and drowned school pupils since the 1970s.</p>
<p>Gwanda community has now turned to a prophet from the Zion Apostolic Church in Central Africa, Prophet Mehluli, based in the Matebeleland South town in an endeavour to solve the mystery.</p>
<p>Moyo is known for solving a number of mysteries in Matabeleland South Province, mostly in Gwanda District.</p>
<p>Gogo Meltah Banda who is the Gwanda Zinatha treasurer said the problem was being experienced at Mtshabezi River. She said:</p>
<blockquote><p>This problem has been ongoing for a long time now but it has never been investigated. It started in the 1970s with male learners that were mysteriously drowning in the river.</p>
<p>At that time pupils from Mount Cazalet Primary School which is close to Mtshabezi River used to go there to collect water as the school didn’t have water. While there, learners would claim to have seen a fish in the water and then they will drown. We used to get these reports from other learners who would survive the ordeal and then go back to school to inform their teachers.</p>
<p>Now it’s suspected that this creature is now targeting men that will be bathing at the river. Each time someone drowns in the river there are usually a series of funerals which follow which are recorded in the town. It’s like that drowning incident would have sparked or ignited some evil spirit which hovers around the town.</p></blockquote>
<p>She added that people, males in particular, die mysteriously in a shallow river compelling the community to dismiss the view that they were likely disappearing because of an ancestral calling.</p>
<p>Prophet Moyo said if it was an act of witchcraft, then he could remove the creature and if it was an ancestral issue, appropriate people will be engaged to conduct a ritual to appease the ancestors.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/popular-prophet-engaged-to-solve-mtshabezi-bridge-mystery/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></strong></p>
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Popular Prophet Roped In To Solve Gwanda Mystery

<p>A former minister in the Apostolic Mission Church is suing the church and demanding $13 Million as he is alleging that the church neglected him after he had an accident, The Standard reports.</p>
<p>Alfred Mujeyi is suing the church after he was reportedly involved in an accident in November 2006 while he was carrying on his pastoral duties.</p>
<p>In court papers seen by the publication, Mujeyi made declarations that he spend time in the ICU after the accident and his church neglected him:</p>
<blockquote><p>To this end, the plaintiff ended up spending a month in the intensive care unit (ICU), a month at Avenues Clinic and another three weeks at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Upon his final discharge, he was transferred from Chakari to Halfway (service) assembly for pastoral duties where he was for only five days.</p>
<p>Due to his condition, he was transferred again to Dombwe where he spent seven months serving pastoral duties.</p>
<p>After he was discharged from hospital, he worked for the church at Parktown Elf Flats until the assembly was closed and he was transferred to Vince Mine.</p>
<p>Throughout this whole time, the plaintiff had been suffering severe pain and trauma from the accident. As a result of the accident, the plaintiff now has slurred speech, forgetfulness, continuous head pain and has become unemployable.</p>
<p>The pastor said although he was injured during the course of duty, he was never reimbursed or offered assistance in paying medical bills.Mujeyi also said he was not receiving any salary from the church during that period.</p>
<p>As such, the defendant (AFM) is liable for the care of its employees who are injured during the scope of their employment.</p>
<p>The defendant has neglected, failed or ignored the request by the applicant to assist him in paying the following: medical bills from Avenues admission at $3 000 000, medical bill from Opt Prof Kalanga at $5 600 000, pain and suffering at $931 000 and loss of future earnings capacity at $3 870 720.</p>
<p>Despite demand, the defendant has, however, failed to honour their legal obligation towards the plaintiff, who was injured during the course of his employment with the defendant. The plaintiff is left with no option, but to take legal action</p></blockquote>
<p>The AFM Church is yet to respond to Mujeyi. Meanwhile, the church split into 2 factions a few years ago following some leadership wrangles that spilled into the courts.</p>
<p>More: <strong><a href="https://www.thestandard.co.zw/2020/11/22/afm-pastor-sues-church-for-13m/">The Standard</a></strong></p>


Former Pastor Sues The AFM Church, Demands 13 Million

<p>A former self-proclaimed prophet, Ramabulana Makhado, a South African, told the country’s CRL Rights Commission how prophetic church leaders use witchcraft.</p>
<p>The commission was hearing evidence in Braamfontein on Monday from people who faked their prophesying for personal gain.</p>
<p>Makhado explained to the commission how female church members eventually fall prey to sexual abuse by the pastors who use witchcraft to have power over congregants. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>Others are being raped by the same cult leader, but it does not look like rape.</p>
<p>The reason why it doesn’t look like rape is that some people tend to have dreams where they are having sexual intercourse with the leaders and the following day, they start having sexual desires for this cult leader.</p></blockquote>
<p>Another self-proclaimed prophet, Jay Israel, who said he is now reformed, told the commission how he used to rob people. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>I would say I have these powers and I want you to give me your car and so many people gave me cars, so many people gave me money.</p></blockquote>
<p>Meanwhile, one of South Africa’s popular self-proclaimed prophets, Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary fled the country, contravening their bail conditions.</p>
<p>The Bushiris fled to Malawi citing safety concerns. They are facing charges of fraud involving more than R100 million.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/11/zim-fake-prophet-reveals-how-he-used-witchcraft-to-instil-fear-in-followers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></strong></h4>


"Prophet" Explains How They Use Witchcraft In Church

<p>Distinguished Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, sending Diwali greetings to 1.2 billion Hindus of the world, has urged them each to take a vow of “selfless service” on this sacred occasion.</p>
<p>Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, in a release in Nevada (USA) today, wished “joy and light in every heart” to all Hindus on Diwali, which falls on November 14.</p>
<p>Rajan Zed quoted ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita: Selfish action imprisons the world. Act selflessly, without any consideration of personal gain…by dedication to selfless work one achieves the highest goal. Do your work with the well-being of others always in focus…Ignorant work for their own profit, enlightened act for the welfare of the world without any attachment.</p>
<p>Zed also suggested Hindus focus on inner search, stay pure, explore the vast wisdom of scriptures, make spirituality more attractive to youth and children, stay away from the greed, and always keep God in your life.</p>
<p>Most popular of Hindu festivals, Diwali, the festival of lights, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.<br/>
Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.</p>


Rajan Zed Urges Hindus Worldwide Take Vow Of “Selfless Service” On Diwali

<p>The Seventh Day Adventist church in Zimbabwe is investigating the alleged poisoning of one of its senior pastors Fortune Chipunza.</p>
<p>Chipunza who is a senior pastor at the church’s North Zimbabwe Conference (NZC) is currently receiving treatment.</p>
<p>The alleged poisoning has been linked to the church’s impending internal polls.  It is unclear whether the church has engaged the police or not.</p>
<p>The Seventh Day Adventist Church NZC spokesperson Pastor Ahmed Kahn told ZTN on Thursday that he is not aware of what really took place. He added:</p>
<blockquote><p>We are hoping that results provided by doctors who have worked on him can help us understand what happened and then we will take it from there.</p>
<p>We have asked (Pastor Chipunza) for the results, but he doesn’t want to show them to us. We have asked some people to go and talk to him because without the results, there is nothing we can do.</p></blockquote>
<p>Pastor Chipunza said he was not in a position to speak to the Press at the moment adding that he was only “focusing on my recovery.”</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://ztn.co.zw/stream/2020/11/sda-pastor-poisoned-ahead-of-elections/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZTN News</a></strong></p>


SDA Pastor Allegedly Poisoned Ahead Of Elections

<p>Popular South Africa-based preacher, Shepherd Bushiri and his wife Mary have been released after they were arrested last month for alleged money laundering.</p>
<p>Magistrate Thandi released them on a 200 000 South African Rand ($12 500; £9 600) each, ordered the couple to report to a police station every Monday to Friday until the end of the case, and to surrender the title deed of a property.</p>
<p>Bushiri was allowed to continue preaching but was warned that he was not allowed to make threats against witnesses.</p>
<p>The duo is facing charges of fraud, theft and money laundering in connection with an investment scheme of about $6m but they deny any wrongdoing.</p>
<p>The arrest of the Bushiris saw several other preachers including United Kingdom-based <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/11/03/uebert-angel-speaks-on-bushiris-arrest/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Uebert Angel mobilising Christians around the world to rally behind the duo.</a></p>
<p>Bushiri’s supporters who were gathered outside the court rejoiced when the duo was released.</p>
<p><strong>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/joy-as-self-styled-prophet-bushiri-freed-on-bail/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe</a></strong></p>


Bushiri Released On Strict Bail Conditions

<p>The leadership crisis in Mugodhi Apostolic Faith Church is far from over after some church leaders recently dragged Washington the son of the church’s founder Tadewu Mugodhi accusing him of clinging to power against the church’s constitution and court order.</p>
<p>The crisis started when <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/10/17/mugodhi-apostolic-faith-church-leader-has-died/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tadewu Mugodhi who succumbed to cancer</a> last year was on his death bed.</p>
<p>Tadewu anointed his son Washington against the church’s constitution which stipulated that a deputy bishop would replace him in the event that he vacated office.</p>
<p>Tonnie Sigauke, who is supposed to be the acting bishop following the death of Tadewu, has filed yet another High Court application seeking a declaratory order confirming Aaron Munodawafa as the substantive bishop of the church with him as the deputy. Read the court papers:</p>
<blockquote><p>The respondent was not a vice bishop at the time of his purported appointment, neither was he a member of the board of ministries nor the most senior member of the applicant.</p>
<p>The respondent was only a junior pastor in the applicant, and it is impossible for him to be appointed bishop in terms of the Constitution. Succession of the leadership is not hereditary; it is governed by a Constitution.<br/>
The papers further indicated that Sigauke and Munodawafa were the church’s vice bishops appointed in terms of their Constitution.</p></blockquote>
<p>The court was also told that during a national general conference held on February 20 this year, it was resolved that Munodawafa as the senior bishop would become the substantive church leader with Sigauke as his vice.</p>
<p>Sigauke became the acting bishop since Munodawafa is now 105 years old and therefore incapacitated to carry out church functions.</p>
<p>However, during the late Mugodhi’s memorial service, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/12/04/power-wrangle-in-mugodhi-apostolic-church-in-new-turn/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Washington imposed himself on the position and continued to hold the office to date.</a></p>
<p>This resulted in the church splitting affecting the congregants’ right to worship.</p>
<p><strong>More: NewZimbabwe</strong></p>


Leadership Crisis Rages On In Mugodhi Church

<p>While in an interview with the National Catholic Reporter, Father Frederick Chiromba, who is the secretary-general of the bishops’ conference said they hope the pastoral letter they penned to the government might yield better results and prompt the government to initiate a process of engagement and dialogue and transformation.</p>
<p>Father Chiromba said:</p>
<blockquote><p>The preferred way forward is to see the pastoral letter initiating a process of engagement, dialogue and transformation.</p></blockquote>
<p>Speaking about the backlash the Bishops got from the government on the Pastoral letter, Father Chiromba said the Bishops were still to sit down and deliberate on a response to the government:</p>
<blockquote><p>The conference has not met so far to reflect on the aftermath, but the solidarity, both local and international, is overwhelming. ZCBC is prepared to participate and contribute fully to political dialogue and resolution of the Zimbabwe situation.</p>
<p>Although Mnangagwa has committed to working with the church, he has not shied away from attacking the bishops. Some of his ministers have even labelled the Zimbabwean Catholic bishops as evil. The Zimbabwean leader <a href="https://allafrica.com/stories/202008200422.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">said Aug. 19</a> that his administration “remain[s] committed to working well with the church to advance the national development agenda.</p>
<p>But Mnangagwa also threw down a gauntlet. “It is most unfortunate when men of the cloth begin to use the pulpit to advance a nefarious agenda for detractors of our country</p></blockquote>
<p>Another Bishop who spoke on condition of anonymity echoed Father Chiromba’s sentiment and said they want to participate in finding a solution to the Zimbabwean crisis through dialogue:</p>
<blockquote><p>Criticism in the aftermath of the pastoral letter was expected because these are uncomfortable truths, but the church also has a duty to intervene and contribute to peace building and to say things as they are,” said the prelate.</p>
<p>This will always guide our interventions and we would be more than willing to participate in finding solutions through dialogue, which we firmly believe in as a tool to resolve the crisis our country finds itself in</p></blockquote>
<p>The Bishops after they were attacked by the government for the Pastoral letter received support from different organisations and different churches who released statements in solidarity with the underfire clerics.</p>
<p>More: <strong><a href="https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2020/09/zimbabwean-bishops-hope-their-criticism-of-government-stirs-national-dialogue/">The Zimbabwean</a></strong></p>


We Hope The Pastoral Letter Can Initiate A Process Of Engagement, Dialogue & Transformation - Bishops

<p>The Anglican Council of Zimbabwe (ACZ) has stood in solidarity with the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/08/16/full-text-pastoral-letter-by-catholic-bishops-which-attracted-zimbabwes-info-ministers-wrath/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Catholic Bishops’ pastoral letter</a> which criticised the government for bad governance and neglection of the economic and humanitarian and political crises in the country.</p>
<p>The pastoral letter attracted criticism from the government which told the church <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/08/16/zimbabwes-information-minister-mutsvangwa-attacks-catholic-archbishop-for-castigating-human-rights-abuses/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">to maintain its lane or announce that it was now venturing into politics full time.</a></p>
<p>Below is the ACZ’s statement in full.</p>
<blockquote><p>“Son of man, I have made you watchman to the house of Israel: therefore, hear the word at my mouth and give them warning from Me”. (Ezekiel 3:17).</p>
<p>The Anglican Council of Zimbabwe (ACZ) writes in solidarity to the pastoral letter issued on 14 August 2020 by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference entitled “The March is Not Ended”. ACZ notes with concern the several responses by the Government of Zimbabwe to the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference which seem to dismiss the fact that the Church is called to exercise its prophetic role. which can mean challenging our political leaders on their conduct of affairs, particularly if this affects the people of God.</p>
<p>We write this message to highlight our concerns and emphasize that “Indeed the “March is Not Ended” unless and until the issues raised by the people of Zimbabwe and also echoed by the bishops are attended to and resolved holistically.</p>
<p>We wish to register our concerns to the several responses of the government which we feel were counter-productive to the efforts being made by many stakeholders including the Church to unite the nation.</p>
<p>We make it abundantly clear that since time immemorial, the Church in Zimbabwe has spoken against injustice and has been consistent in that regard. Any view or postulation to the contrary would be an attempt to re-write that narrative in order to promote a negative picture of what the Church stands for. The Church has the Biblical mandate to speak without fear or favour, particularly to a government which believes that “The voice of the people is the voice of God.” The prophetic ministry of the Church mandates it to speak for God and for His people as it is the ambassador of Christ and God is appealing through it. (2 Cor. 5:20).</p>
<p>As Anglican Bishops, we desire to see an engagement of all stakeholders (as requested by Zimbabwe Heads Of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) and respect of the Constitution of the land and institutions thereof for the good of our nation and (Proverbs 11:14): victory for the nation as we. together. overcome all our challenges.</p>
<p>We also call upon the citizens of this our beautiful nation to remain calm, pray for peace and to work towards all that promotes peace and the common good. We also call upon all Christians and other religions to pray for our leaders and the nation at large for peace. stability and prosperity.</p>
<p>To our brothers and Roman Catholic Church in particular. we say we are holding you in our prayers and I May the Blessing of the Almighty God strengthen you and be with you now and forever. Amen.</p>
<p>.Ignatios Makumbe ACZ Chairman (Diocese of Central Zimbabwe)<br/>
+Godfrey Tawonezvi (Diocese of Masvingo)</p>
<p>• Cleophas Lunga (Diocese of Matabeleland)</p>
<p>+ Erick Ruwona (Diocese of Manicaland)</p>
<p>• Faral Mutamiri (Diocese of Harare)<br/>
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EgWYC6HXoAEHzEw?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/></p></blockquote>


Anglican Bishops' Stance On Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Letter

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<div dir="auto" lang="en"><strong><span>Alex Tawanda Magaisa, the former Chief of Staff in the office of the late former Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai has said the Catholic church remains undeterred by the government’s and some church’s remarks on a Pastoral letter they had written castigating bad governance in the country. We present below Magaisa’s Twitter thread.</span></strong></div>
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<div dir="auto" lang="en"><span>I have had the advantage of listening to a sermon delivered by Bishop Mupandasekwa of the Catholic Church. I’ve not heard a more powerful delivery in a long time. The message is loud and clear: the Bishops are undeterred. They remain resolute.</span></div>
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<div dir="auto"><span>The Bishop says leaders prefer to be given letters in private, so that they can reject them or pretend to the citizens that they are smart. But Pastoral Letters are for the flock. They are not private letters as a boyfriend would write to a girlfriend.</span></div>
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<div>He says Pastoral Letters are written to the flock so that they know the position of the Church &amp; they also stand in that position. Pastoral Letters are not determined or stopped by political leaders. He says they are not communicated in private &amp; don’t skirt around the truth.</div>
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<div><span>The Bishop’s sermon was based on a passage in the book of Isaiah in which Shebna was dismissed and replaced by Eliakim. Shebna had failed his mandate. The Bishop says if the Bishops fail to communicate the word as they did, they too would be sacked like Shebna.</span></div>
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<div><span>The Bishop spoke eloquently about leadership being like good fatherhood. A good father leads and protects. He does not murder his children. If he disciplines the children he does so proportionately. He does not abuse power.</span></div>
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<div dir="auto" lang="en">Why do we see those in leadership without the spirit of fatherhood; murdering people, he asks A father encourages his children. He does not shut the children out of the home because they are naughty. A father might disciple his child but he does not hurt or murder him, he says</div>
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"The Flock Must Know Where The Church Stands," - Catholic Bishops Adamant

<p>Leader of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Nehemiah Mutendi has castigated fellow clergyman, Roman Catholic Bishops, for criticising the government over alleged human rights abuses and poor leadership.</p>
<p>Addressing the media in Mutare on Tuesday, the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) patron said the church should not revisit bad things which happened in the past but should correct the wrongs through prayer.</p>
<p>In their Pastoral Letter of 14 August 2020, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) mentioned the emotive Gukurahundi genocide in which an estimated 20 000 unarmed civilians were killed by the military in the 1980s.</p>
<p>Mutendi argued that the Catholic Bishops should let sleeping dogs lie and avoid dabbling in politics. He said:</p>
<blockquote><p>This is the time to preach hope that God has given us this land and boundaries, we live here and we have a past and bad things have happened and we are correcting it through prayer.</p>
<p>Church leaders should not speak out about past wrongdoings but focus on giving hope to their flock. There is no need to remind one another of the past because everyone has a dark past.</p>
<p>We don’t talk about those bad things that happened in the past. We don’t want tribal feelings, we don’t need to remind each other of our past because everyone has a dark past.</p>
<p>Leave the politicians alone, let them play their game. Let’s pray and feed the nation.</p></blockquote>
<p>Ironically, Bishop Mutendi is alleged to be among a handful of prominent clergymen who were given farm machinery worth hundreds of thousands of United States dollars by the Central Bank in 2007 but did not pay back the money, with the debt being placed on taxpayers.</p>
<h4><strong>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/mutendi-chides-catholic-bishops-for-digging-dark-past-lies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></strong></h4>


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