Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
THE Anglican Diocese of Manicaland celebrated its 44th Anniversary at Matsika in Rusape last Saturday, marking the occasion with a moment of reflection and announcing future development initiatives aimed at positively impacting communities served by the church.
The celebrations drew thousands of congregants from the diocese’s 350 congregations and 70 clergies, exceeding expectations despite challenges posed by a “rogue priest” controlling the venue.
The diocese is embroiled in a power struggle with the clergy at the station, who is accused of canonical disobedience for allegedly refusing to comply with lawful transfer orders.
Anglican Diocese of Manicaland bishop, Reverend Erick Ruwona has the authority to rotate clergies based on their duration and performance, but such authority has allegedly been met with stiff resistance from Reverend Allen Muziringa.
He confirmed resisting a transfer, accusing his superiors of victimisation. However, he also acknowledged working for the church under Bishop Ruwona.
The matter is pending before the courts.
“This gathering is a celebration of the 44th Anniversary of the founding of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, which was established in 1981, about 90 years after the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe.
“As the church grew, the diocese was founded, and this church, where we are gathered, was the first to be granted parish status. During the colonial era, parish status was typically reserved for European parishes, but this church, being rural and serving Africans, was the first to be granted that status. Therefore, it is historic to celebrate the 44th Anniversary at this significant church.
“The response from the church is overwhelming, exceeding our expectations. However, there is a dispute with one rogue priest who refuses to listen to authority, and has become an authority unto himself.
We are here to demonstrate that we are still in charge, and that this church remains firmly part of the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland. Our dispute is not with the Anglicans from this area, but with the priest who has gone rogue and refuses to listen to his bishop. In Anglican circles, this is a serious offence, punishable by dismissal,” said Bishop Ruwona.
During the celebrations, the diocese also rewarded learners from its schools who excelled in the Anglican Schools Association (ASA) Form Two standardised examinations.
Looking ahead, Bishop Ruwona said they plan to construct St Simon High School in Dangamvura, with the first intake expected in the first term of 2026.
The church is also working to complete infrastructure development projects, including dormitories and classroom blocks at its existing boarding schools, to maintain its academic standards.
“Over the past 44 years, the church has achieved significant milestones in education and healthcare. We have established schools that have excelled, such as St Augustine’s High, St David Bonda Girls’ High, and St Faith’s High, which consistently produces top A-Level results. Our new boarding schools, St James Zongoro and St Werburgh’s Chigodora High, are also thriving. Additionally, we have 350 vibrant congregations and over 70 clergy members. Recently, we acquired 14 buses for our schools to facilitate heritage-based education and exposure visits.
“Funds raised during the celebrations will go towards a new school project in Dangamvura. We have already started construction, with water being brought to the site and bricks laid. This school will be a celebration of our commitment to education. We have had success with St Catherine’s Girls’ High, which was funded through similar efforts, and we hope the new school, named after St Simon, will be a reality soon. As a bishop, my prayer is that we remain united and peaceful. As a nation, we are often divided, but united we stand. I pray that our actions bring unity and that elements of disunity are stopped. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our communities,” said Bishop Ruwona.
