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JUST five years ago, Reverend Cossum Chiangwa was deputy president of the “united” Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe when he led a rebel breakaway faction.
His actions were blamed on greed and access to church resources to advance personal interests following a strong proposal to centralise the management of church.
Rev Chiangwa got his wish and was elected leader of the break-away AFM outfit. Now five years down the line, he is being called upon to step aside on accusations of unilaterally amending the church’s constitution to remain in power.
Some of the church’s pastors now feel betrayed and undermined by Rev Chiangwa for pursuing a path similar to the one which made them turn their backs on the main AFM Church.
It is quite difficult to ignore church squabbles in our country. There was once a time the church provided a sanctuary for believers to receive spiritual nourishment and guidance.
It, however, seems that the church has lost its true purpose and has become more concerned with amassing wealth than spreading the gospel. This raises fundamental questions about the integrity and credibility of the church.
The church has been revered as the moral compass of society for a very long time. It provided guidance and support to communities, especially in times of crisis. Whether it be drought, famine, or political instability, people have traditionally looked to the church to provide solace and hope.
It played an active role in social justice issues, advocating for the oppressed and marginalised. It was a force for good in society, promoting values of love, peace and justice. However, the church’s reputation has lately been severely tarnished by rampant squabbles and endless divisions.
These squabbles are often centred around money and power, as different factions within the church fight for control and influence. This has resulted in the fracture of several denominations, with rival factions setting up their own churches and claiming to be the true representatives of Christianity.
Some of the most extreme examples of these church squabbles include disputes about property and ownership, and accusations of embezzlement and financial mismanagement. In some cases, these squabbles have become violent, with church members fighting each other and congregations being torn apart. Perhaps the most concerning aspect of these church squabbles is that they have little to do with the core values of Christianity.
Christianity teaches humility, selflessness and love for others. These values are in direct contradiction to the power struggles and financial greed that are at the heart of church disputes. It is difficult to see how these acts align with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who advocated for love, compassion and service to others. The church is supposed to be a beacon of hope and a source of comfort for people during difficult times.
It is hard to reconcile that purpose with the current state of the church in Zimbabwe. This is not to say that all churches in our country are like this, but unfortunately, the actions of a few can have a damaging effect on the entire institution.
The church needs to reflect on its purpose and refocus on its mission of spreading the gospel and promoting values of love, peace and justice. Only then can the church regain the trust and respect of the people.
Online Reporter