Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
THE United Methodist Church is celebrating after Bishop Gift Kudakwashe Machinga was consecrated as the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area leader at the Africa Central Conference in Johannesburg yesterday.
The ceremony was led by the outgoing leader Bishop Eben Kanukayi Nhiwatiwa.
The Council of Bishops also welcomed three other new bishops of The United Methodist Church.
They are Bishop João Filimone Sambo of Mozambique, Bishop Emmanuel Sinzohagera of Burundi and Bishop Moisés Bernardo Jungo of Angola.
Speaking to H-Metro, UMC spokesperson Reverend Alan Gurupira said the election was the new leadership will continue from where Bishop Nhiwatiwa left.
“It is a new era,” said Rev Gurupira.
“The new Bishop brings a new leadership era and his duties are a continuation of where the outgoing Bishop left.
“The whole purpose is to the uplifting of the body of Christ.”
Bishop Machinga becomes the fourth African to hold the role in this country in the church’s 128-year history.
The first was Bishop Abel Tendekai Muzorewa and then came Bishop Christopher Jokomo and Bishop Eben Kanukayi Nhiwatiwa.
Chris “Romario” Musekiwa, the Warriors cheerleader who is a member of the church said:
“Hearty congratulations to a very humble servant of God, Reverend Dr Gift Kudakwashe Machinga, duly elected the Bishop of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church at an election held at the ongoing Africa Central Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa,” he posted on his social media platforms.
“He becomes the fourth African to lead the church in its 128-year history.
“May God Bless you abundantly, Mwari Baba Mune NYASHA huru, Makorokoto makuru Bishop and family.”
Images posted on social media showed celebrations which erupted across the church.
One video showed euphoric celebrations at Zimre Park UMC hours after their Pastor in Charge was elected Bishop for the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church.
“The circuit continues to earn a remarkable reputation of producing leaders for higher office,” read a post on social media.
“Three of their former pastors – Reverends Portia Kanoyangwa, Tafadzwa Musona and the late Oscar Mukahanana – went on to be appointed District Superintendents.
“This time, they have raised an Episcopal Leader.”
Another post read:
“Today, Bishop Nhiwatiwa will have the honour of consecrating all the new shepherds including Bishop Machinga in front of a worldwide audience – the perfect way to end his glorious 20-year tenure as our Episcopal Leader.
“Zimbabwe last night went into meltdown with social media holding fort under the duress of an almighty celebration as the nation received the news of Bishop Machinga’s election at the THIRD round of asking with joy.”
