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MEMBERS of the Evangelical Anglican Church International in Chikanga high-density suburb of Mutare have clashed over traditional Anglican practices.
The church, which broke away from the Anglican Church and led by Bishop Elson Jakazi, decided to take the evangelical route.
However, some of the Chikanga congregants are up in arms with Reverend Basil Matikiti expressing dismay on the way he was conducting his services.
This has led to the creation of a faction within the church which is advocating for mass prayers and immersion during baptism which Rev Matikiti is said to be failing to adapt to.
The faction has since stopped attending church services opting to travel to Dangamvura where most of the EACI members congregate at Kudanana Centre.
A church member, Mr Peter Fenga, is said to be behind the faction which is against Rev Matikiti’s conduct, but he denied leading the faction, saying he was just sympathetic with their cause.
“I was appointed as an evangelist by the council so there is no way I could have facilitated the move, but am just sympathising with the group.
“People might think that I am the one behind this because I was one of the people who strategised the first moves to break away from the Anglican Church,” said Mr Fenga.
Besides attending services in Dangamvura, the group which is still under the EACI banner holds its own services where they invite guest preachers to minister to them.
Rev Matikiti confirmed that a faction had emerged in his church, but refused to shed more light referring all questions to Bishop Jakazi.
“It is true that something might be happening in the ministry, but the only person who can comment on this is the bishop” said Rev Matikiti.
Bishop Jakaza said he could not discuss church matters in public as they were more like family matters.
“I cannot discuss church business in the Press. I do not want to create disharmony among congregants,” he said.
Online Reporter