Published: 2013 December 02 19:31:56 (5248 Views)

THE Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) is set to intensify efforts to stamp out corruption and bring to an end the sexual abuse of women and girls in the church.

Speaking during the Sabbath Apostolic Church 84th anniversary celebrations and ordination of its third Archbishop Livious Simon Ndlovu at Phelandaba Stadium in Gwanda on Saturday, ACCZ president, Archbishop Johanes Ndanga said his organisation was committed to dealing with all the corrupt and devilish churches.

He said corrupt churches and leaders engaging in immoral activities such as the raping of women and girls would have their operations halted.

"As ACCZ we will deal severely with all those church leaders engaging in activities which put the name of the church into disrepute. We will ban all corrupt leaders. However, if the church protects such leaders, we will not hesitate to ban the church itself," said Archbishop Ndanga.

He said the church should play a pivotal role in promoting the development of the country, hence the need to expose all corrupt and immoral church leaders.

"If the church does not have an effective input in the development of the country then its existence becomes irrelevant. We want to have a situation whereby churches would find solutions to problems facing the country," said Archbishop Ndanga.

The media has recently been awash with reports of church leaders including those of the Apostolic and Zionist Churches, who sexually abuse women and girls.

ACCZ recently banned the RMG Independent End Time Message Church and its leader Mr Robert Gumbura for the sexual abuse of women and girls in his church.

Mr Gumbura is in remand prison on rape charges and illegal possession of pornographic material. ACCZ is an indigenous church organisation that was officially launched by Vice President Joice Mujuru in 2010.

Swearing in the Sabbath Apostolic Church Archbishop Ndlovu, Archbishop Ndanga challenged him to be an exemplary leader who would take good care of his flock and spread the gospel that would promote peace, love and unity in the country.

Speaking at the same occasion on behalf of the guest of honour, Zanu-PF National Chairman and Senior Minister of State, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, the Minister of State responsible for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs, Cde Abedinico Ncube, congratulated Archbishop Ndlovu on his ordination.

"Our appeal is that you continue preaching the gospel of God in our country and to the world so that peace continues to prevail," he said. Cde Ncube said the church members should also work well with their new Archbishop to ensure progress in the country.

The Sabbath Apostolic Church was founded in 1929 by Archbishop Christopher Nkatha but up to date it has not built its headquarters.

Gwanda Town Mayor Councillor Knowledge Ndlovu said the municipality was willing to work with the church and provide assistance where needed.

"We want to be part of the history of your church and therefore our wish is to assist where we can," he said. - Zim Metro

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