admindiploma in religious studies from the University of Zimbabwe.
Dr Dube – who has led the institution of the Baptist Convention of Zimbabwe church since 1994 – was dismissed on Monday after the council for the seminary decided the association with the University of Zimbabwe was improper.
“I have led the seminary since 1994 and we were in relationship with the University of Zimbabwe with no complaints from the previous boards.
“The new board was not constitutionally elected but the chairperson was hand picked by the donors of the seminary,” alleged Dr Dube.
A former student at the seminary, who asked for anonymity, alleged that the main donor – International Mission Board, an American institution led by Gregg Fort of the Baptist church – inducted the seminary council.
However, the council should be appointed by an annual congress of the church.
The seminary council, chaired by Mr Tousin Zilala, allegedly handed the principal a dismissal letter last Saturday as he was preaching.
“When I went to my office on Sunday it was locked and blocked showing the irrational means used to throw me out of office,” said Dr Dube.
Contacted for comment, Mr Zilala refuted all claims against the board, arguing that he had been elected by the congress and Dr Dube was refusing to comply with the board’s decision against the form of relationship that he had with the University of Zimbabwe.
“The council decided to use a charter used by colleges like the Africa University in ensuring that we were recognised as an institution of higher learning.
“Dr Dube has been showing clear signs of misconduct and insubordination therefore the council asked me to dismiss him,” said Mr Zilala.
Mr Zilala said the relationship with the IMB had nothing to do with Dr Dube’s dismissal.
Online Reporter