Reports from Malawi: Bishop James Tengatenga's sabbatical difficulties, poisoning case resumes, Northern Malawi confirms

Bishop James Tengatenga and family

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION – news and updates from Malawi

Southern Malawi – Bishop James Tengatenga’s sabbatical difficulties

Our correspondent reports: ‘The Southern Malawi Board of Finance presented its 2010 budget to Bishop James Tengatenga and he did not like how it was arranged because the bursaries for his children were low. Tengatenga consulted his clergy and the clergy trimmed the budget again! This led Bishop James to grow angry saying that he was targeted by both laity and clergy. He has told them that when he returns from his six month sabbatical leave in the United States he will decide whether to resign or not and the laity and clergy have been asked to think about it on their part’.

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Northern Malawi – Court of Confirmation

Despite earlier objections which delayed his confirmation, Fr Leslie Mtekateka formerly of St Timothy’s, Chitipa will almost certainly be confirmed on Friday 12th February at a Court to be held in Mzuzu. Some of the bishops who should be present will be represented by diocesan priests. Mtekateka replaces former Bishop Christopher Boyle who resigned last year to take up a position as an assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Leicester, U.K.

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Diocese of Lake Malawi – Unsubstantiated accusations of poisoning – continuing court case in Nkhota-kota

The trial resumes earlier than expected on Wednesday 10th February in Nkhota-kota, Diocese of Lake Malawi. Leonard Mondoma cook to the late Canon Rodney Hunter an English priest who died in November 2006 was accused by twice-suspended priest the Rev’d Dennis Kayamba of poisoning his employer. Thus far no evidence has emerged to suggest that Hunter died of anything other than terminal cancer for which he had been treated in the U.K..

Shortly after the accusations some parts of the British press conducted a witch-hunt against Mondoma with condemnatory headlines based on no evidence. Mondoma’s case is supremely ironic considering that he was always Hunter’s most loyal employee and vocal supporter.

During the first part of the trial held in January, Dennis Kayamba the chief accuser was unable to explain how he could have known that Mondoma was a poisoner before any evidence was produced. Kayamba was also unable to explain why he was in possession of the late Canon Hunter’s will and house keys.

For what was almost certainly a false accusation Mondoma was held in life-threatening conditions in prison in Nkota-kota for 18 months, one year of which he was uncharged.

Medical evidence will be given at the resumed case starting this week.

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Diocese of Lake Malawi – Continued impasse

Following an unprecedented number of objections to his election the Venerable Francis Kaulanda, Archdeacon of Lilongwe, remains unconsecrated. According to the Malawi Nation Newspaper 25th September 2009 the Bishops have confirmed the election but this remains disputed. The matter remains subject to a Court injunction brought by the protestors.

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Accusations of homosexual support against the Central African Bishops

Anglican conflicts in and out of Africa

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION has received the article published below from Philip Chidembo putting the case for the Nolbert Kunonga faction in the Diocese of Harare, Zimbabwe. It reveals a heady mix of political interest, disputed court rulings and accusations of ‘homosexual’ support on the part of the Bishops of the Central African Province. In the interests of balance and openness we believe we should publish it.

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION prefaces the article by stating that our collective views are that:

• The Rt Rev’d Chad Gandiya of the Church of the Central African Province is the legitimate Bishop of Harare
• Evidence points both circumstantially and in practice to a regime of terror and intimidation against the priests and people of Dr Gandiya’s diocese carried out at the behest of ‘Archbishop’ Nolbert Kunonga with the support of the police and Robert Mugabe factions of the Zimbabwe government
• Court decisions instructing the sharing of church buildings remain valid
• The the accusation of ‘homosexual support’ by the bishops of the Central African Province is untrue and an attempt to discredit them and mask what is a power struggle between the interests of Kunonga and the Province of Central Africa
• This is an example of how the conflicts between North American Anglicans have been successfully and divisively exported into a socially conservative Africa
• Accusations of homosexuality are now regularly used to defame the character and good standing of individuals and churches in an arbitrary and inquisitorial style for political ends
• Perversely, the same technique now being used against them by Nolbert Kunonga was also used by Provincial bishops, under the oversight of the then Archbishop of Central Africa Bernard Malango, in an attempt to discredit the candidacy of the English, London based, Rev’d Dr. Nicholas Henderson as the elected Bishop of Lake Malawi

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Article from: Philip Chidembo (the items reproduced in bold are as in the original article)

May you please publicise this article on your website. It is good for people to see what’s on the other side.

ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF HARARE
PRESS STATEMENT: LEGAL ISSUES/HOMOSEXUALITY

We as the Diocese of Harare under the leadership of Bishop Nolbert Kunonga write to correct the information being given to the public by the Honourable Minister Mutsekwa in regards to the Anglican Church (the Church of the Province of Central Africa versus the Diocese of Harare) dispute. The Minister has misled the public and nation at large by the statements lie is making, which are misleading, misinforming and false. The dispute in the Anglican Church is not about politics or politicians, ZANU PF, MDC-T or MDC-M or government as a whole. It is purely a theological, doctrinal and a faith issue. The Church of the Province of Central Africa (C.P.C.A.) and the Diocese of Harare are divided because of difference in opinion on homosexuality.

The Honourable Minister has deliberately taken it upon himself to grossly misinform and mislead the public on judiciary facts in regard to this issue. There seems to be confusion in the Minister's mind, as he cannot separate political issues and theological issues.

The issue of homosexuality has ruptured the Anglican communion world wide and the Archbishop of Canterbury has admitted that the Church be run on a two structure system those who support homosexuality and those who are opposed to it. The Minister has illustrated that he lacks information in regard to developments within the Anglican Church.

He needs to be educated correctly so that lie does not react emotionally to issues outside his jurisdiction. It is very important for a public figure like Honourable Minister Mutsekwa to verify relevant information before rushing to conclusions of giving wrong directions. It also seems the Minister has his own personal vendetta against Bishop Kunonga. This is so because how on earth can he ignore several current orders from the courts and stick to the Makarau judgement, which is outdated and have been overtaken by other High Court Orders.

The behaviour of the Minister is saddening and we feel the Minister needs urgent counselling and healing for him to be able to see the truth. We hope the Government has suitable facilities for rehabilitation in such issues.

The Honourable Minister has chosen to grossly misinform and mislead the public and the whole country by speaking without verifying facts and evidence of court proceedings within the Anglican dispute. The Church of the Province of Central Africa (C.P.C.A.) is the one who took the Diocese of Harare to court and should abide by court rulings if they want to speak of the rule of law.

We are left to wonder whether it is an academic background problem or an intellectual problem within his mind, which fails to separate ministerial directives and judiciary rulings.

No one is being banished from worshipping but those who support homosexuals or indulge in this act are not welcome. Those who preach politics and denounce their own government are also not welcome as the Church is purely for worshipping without reservations.

For the record we would like to advise the Minister that the Makarau judgement he speaks volumes of, was suspended long back on 7 April 2008 and we find no reason why the minister is reviving it now. According to court records and the Attorney General's Office, the Makarau Judgement was suspended. We do not think the minister is now a member of the Judiciary bench and has ruled otherwise.

The Minister should not drag the Government politics and politicians into a church dispute. There have been many other denominations in dispute, but we have never heard of any Minister who has intervened. This clearly shows that Honourable Minister Mutsekwa is an interested party in this matter.

For the record we do hereby list all court proceeds as from January 2008 to date for public consumption.

1. On the 19th of January 2008, Judge President Rita Makarau gave a provisional order in case number HC 345/08, which gave both factions time sharing within the Church. We responded and made our condo nation Application on 19 March 2008, which was heard by Chief Justice Chidyausiku, in which he granted the issuance of the appeal out of time. Case number SC 17/2008.

On the 7th of April 2008, we appealed against J.P. Makarau's judgement - case number 72/2008, and our appeal was noted, automatically suspending J.P. Makarau's Provisional Order. Letter of undertaking was then sent to the High Court on 5 May 2008 as per court rules.

2. On 2 May 2008, Justice Guvava sitting in court upheld J.P. Makarau's order - case number HC 2259/08.
We subsequently appealed on 3 May 2008, case number SC 83/08. Again our notice of appeal was noted, thereby suspending J.P. Makarau's order to share churches.

3. On 3 April 2009, the Co-Ministers summoned us to the Home Affairs Ministry. Our letter of undertaking top ay costs had disappeared in the High Court under fraudulent circumstances. The Co-Ministers directed that we should revert back to J.P. Makarau's order until we give them proof that we actually appealed and undertook to pay costs.
We had copies of all the required papers but when we approached the Co-Ministers, they turned a deaf ear on us. We wrote manycorrespondents but to date they have never entertained us. To add salt to injury, the A.G.'s office even wrote a memo to the Co-Ministers on 23 April 2009 advising them that indeed there was an appeal and J.P. Makarau's judgement had been suspended but the Honourable Co-Ministers were adamant the churches should be shared and no one was going to change that.

4. On 24 July 2009, we went to Court case number HC 4327/08 same as case number HC 6544/07 for the courts to decide who was in control of the churches property. Justice Hlastwayo gave an order that Bishop Kunonga and his Board of Trustees were the custodians of the Diocesan Property movable or immovable. He also gave an interdict that no other Bishop is to be consecrated in the Diocese of Harare case number HC 2792/08.

The Gandiya Faction obtained a fraudulent notice of appeal, so as to go ahead and consecrate Gandiya.

On 26 August 2009, we made an Urgent Chamber Application to investigate on the merit of the purported Notice of Appeal - case number HC 3391/09. Justice Bhunu heard this matter on the 24th of September 2009 and we are still waiting judgement.

5. We made an application to the Supreme Court case number SC 180/09 for non-payment of costs by the Gandiya faction. Deputy Chief Justice Malaba heard this matter on the 4th of November 2009 and we are still waiting for judgement.

6. On 14 December 2009, the Gandiya faction approached the High Court, without our knowledge as an interested party in this matter and obtained a provisional order by consent by all parties being the police, Co-Ministers and Church of the Province of Central Africa Faction represented by Gandiya to revive J.P. Makarau's order and bar the police from doing their Constitutional mandate of maintaining law and order. They wanted chaos to prevail there by tarnishing the image of the government - case number HC 6281/09 under Justice Karwi.

7. On 19 December 2009, we approached the High Court to redress the anomaly caused by the Provisional order by consent granted by Justice Karwi - Case number HC 6451/09. Justice Hlatswayo granted a provisional order by consent from all parties involved being the police, Co-Ministers, the C. P. C. A. faction and the Diocese of Harare represented by Bishop Kunonga. This order suspended the Justice Karwi order 6281/07. Thus, all orders by the C. P. C. A. Faction have been suspended, legally, we are back to status quo - where there is one Bishop, Dr. Nolbert Kunonga, once service, by clergy, and laity loyal to him, one Diocese under his authority.

This being the case we saw it fit to highlight our plight as wolves are roaming around to devour us regardless of our legitimate legal position and standing.

Conclusion: Points in limine. The dispute in the Anglican Church is about homosexuality. The C. P. C. A. bishops openly support homosexuality and we will never share the same premises and place of worship. Homosexuality is an abomination as the Scriptures are against such practices. Morally, culturally and spiritually homosexuality is not permissible.

We would also like to hear from Honourable Mutsekwa which ruling he is referring to as being violated by our faction. The Minister should be worried about the Gandiya faction who is violating a provisional order barring them from ever referring to the Makarau judgement as it was appealed against on the 7th of April 2008. The Honourable Minister should follow court proceedings on a daily basis if he wants to be abreast of the current court rulings. He seems to be relying on outdated information supplied to him by those who have no current court orders.

As previously mentioned, we are not bound by ministerial resolutions when there are court orders. Honourable Mutsekwa should be advised as previously mentioned that the Makarau Judgement was suspended. He was even advised of same by the Attorney General's office. Honourable Minister speaks volume of rule of law which he himself is flouting willy nilly. He is acting on behalf of the Gandiya faction from whom he takes his orders. This is very clear even from a blind man's side. He is prepared to work with anyone who is opposed to ZANU PF as he stated in the Standard. He should not drag the Government and political parties into a church dispute. Why is he not concerned about the people who are going around breaking church properties.

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Bishop James Tengatenga, discontent in South Malawi • Still no bishop for Lake Malawi • Criticism of acting Dean, Bishop Albert Chama

South Malawi: Clergy in the Diocese of South Malawi have protested against Bishop James Tengatenga’s requirement for Malawi Kwacha 7,000,000.00 ($48,000.00 - £30,000.00 - €34,000.00). This is for sabbatical study leave in the United States.

A patchy record? - Acting Dean of the Anglican Central African Province - Bishop Albert Chama

James Tengatenga who is a frequent visitor to North America and who often travels worldwide in his role as Chair of the Anglican Consultative Council has challenged his clergy that he should be given his allowances or he will resign.

The clergy have responded with their intention to consult with the laity of the diocese.

Tengatenga has a history of conflict over funding having threatened previously to withhold sacramental rites such as confirmation if parishes do not meet their diocesan payments.

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION observes that the laity in the Central African Province have developed an increasingly powerful voice in recent years. This has resulted in a number of protracted struggles with their traditionalist command structure bishops. The growth of easy access to communications such as mobile telephony and the internet is slowly democratising Church governance. We believe that this is a positive development.

Lake Malawi: Laity protesting against the election of the Venerable Francis Kaulanda as bishop have brought a Court Injunction preventing the bishops from ‘confirming’ Kaulanda’s position. This case was revisited in court on 21st January. Charles Wemba, lay spokesman, reports that he and others have been threatened with excommunication by the bishops. A ruling of the court is expected soon.

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION observes that in the long-running saga of the Diocese of Lake Malawi the bishops have consistently attempted to bypass and overrule the laity. The only exception to this policy came in June 2007 when Bishop Trevor Mwamba of Botswana came close to bringing the parties together before himself being sacked as Dean of the Province by the then Archbishop Bernard Malango.

Acting Dean Albert Chama: African blogsite activity and comment shows increasing discontent with the provincial oversight of Bishop Albert Chama of Northern Zambia. Complaints and comments include:

• Lack of consultation with the laity
• An authoritarian and detached style of leadership
• Lack of personal and visible ‘on the ground’ involvement in Zimbabwe, especially in defence of and in solidarity with Bishop Chad Gandiya as he struggles to defend his diocese of Harare against renegade ‘Archbishop’ Nolbert Kunonga
• Allegations of ‘closeness’ to Nolbert Kunonga through his mentor and friend former Archbishop Bernard Malango

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION observes that the blogosphere is an unmonitored and unaccountable medium but Chama is inevitably vulnerable to such criticisms. They are likely to weigh against him when eventually all the diocesan sees are filled and an election takes place for the post of Archbishop of Central Africa. The future of this much-troubled Province will be determined by the style of whoever leads the Province. Albert Chama’s acting tenure as Dean over four years has been at best patchy and change may be preferable to ‘more of the same’.

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An unsubstantiated accusation of poisoning - the trial of Leonard Mondoma - Nkhota-kota, Diocese of Lake Malawi

Not poisons - just medicines

From: ANGLICAN-INFORMATION

After an alleged poisoning almost three years ago and following 18 months in prison, one year of which he was held without charge, Leonard Mondoma, the late Canon Rodney Hunter’s cook finally came to court on Tuesday this week. A twice-suspended priest, the Rev’d Denis Kayamba, had accused Mondoma, despite a lack of evidence, of poisoning his employer.

The case has been conducted in Nkhota-kota in a thoroughgoing and painstaking fashion by the judge. The court has heard statements from the Rev’d Denis Kayamba as the principle accuser of Leonard Mondoma. Even under cross-examination, Kayamba failed to produce any conclusive evidence that Canon Hunter was poisoned and was unable to explain how he had made his accusations before any forensic tests. Additionally, the police officer friend of Kayamba who was formerly in Nkhota-kota, in putting his case, also failed to produce any actual documented evidence to substantiate why Mondoma had been accused and arrested.

A report from St Anne’s Hospital (the Anglican hospital close to where Hunter lived) has also been lodged with the Court indicating that Hunter had died of cancer.

The case has now been adjourned until 22nd February when Dr Peter Kaloungwe formerly of St Anne’s but now working at Mulanje Mission will present the St Anne’s case for having treated Hunter the night before he died. Conversely, Dr Charles Dzamalala will present the findings of his autopsy performed on Hunter in which he has claimed ‘probable poisoning’ simply on basis of a dark colour of the contents of the bowel. Leaked reports in the British press of three supposed poisons were quickly discovered to have been simple medicaments taken by Hunter.

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION has long considered that Leonard Mondoma is the innocent victim of local Nkhota-kota ecclesiastical infighting and unsubstantiated claims of poisoning boosted by the febrile atmosphere created by sensationalist reporting from some parts of the British press.

It is to be hoped that the outcome of the trial will finally settle the matter, return this corner of Malawi to some kind of normality, and Mondoma to his family and friends.

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KUNONGA BLOCKS AVONDALE PARISH CELEBRATING THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Dr. Chad Gandiya, Bishop of Harare (Church Times)

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION reports the latest Kunonga incident in Zimbabwe as yet one more amongst a whole catalogue of intimidation, violence and obstruction coming from the self-styled ‘Archbishop of Zimbabwe’ and inflicted on the priests and people of the legitimate Anglican Diocese of Harare, Church of the Province of Central Africa.

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From: Trish McKensie, Avondale Parish, Harare, Zimbabwe.

KUNONGA BLOCKS AVONDALE PARISH CELEBRATING THEIR 100TH ANNIVERSARY

St Mary Magdalene Parish (CPCA) is celebrating its 100th anniversary on 9 January 2010. Today Dr. Kunonga has blocked us from entering the premises despite the fact that there is a supposed a Government of Unity and various court orders. The celebrations will now take place at Arundel School Chapel. Holy Communion will be celebrated by the Bishop Rt Rev Dr. Chad Nicholas Gandiya. Bishop Chad was a gardener at St Mary Magdalene before taking holy orders and served as a curate before being posted to other Parishes in the former Diocese of Harare.

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Academic qualifications?

We are periodically asked about the titles and academic qualifications of the various bishops of the Central African Province.

The Rt Rev’d Dr. James Tengatenga of Southern Malawi has a PhD from the University of Malawi and two Doctorates of Divinity (honoris causa) one from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the South, Austin, Texas and one from the General Theological Seminary in New York.

The Rt Rev’d Dr. Chad Gandiya gained his doctorate from the University of Zimbabwe and has also studied at Michigan State University. He was formerly tutor at the United College of Selly Oak Birmingham, U.K.

Dr. Kunonga I presume? There has been speculation about where Nolbert Kunonga gained his doctorate and we incorrectly ascribed it to the Unification Church (Moonie) Theological Seminary (U.T.S.) in Barrytown, New York where Kunonga taught for a while in the mid 1990’s. In fact he has a doctoral degree from the Northwestern University, based in Evanston, Illinois. We suggest that it is time that the University withdrew his accreditation.

The previous Archbishop of Central Africa, Dr. Amos Bernard Malango, sometime mentor and supporter of Kunonga, claims his doctorate as a DD. The only record we can trace is an Master of Philosophy from the University of Dublin gained in 1984.

For the aspiring, doctorates and other degrees are also available from Degree Xpress, via alumnaservices.co.uk for $249.00. Degree Xpress offers: No examinations, 100% legal loophole, no studying, etc.

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Nolbert Kunonga creates more trouble in time for Christmas and the New Year in Zimbabwe

Merry Christmas to you all!

FROM ANGLICAN-INFORMATION: We have been asked to cover two items reproduced below. The first covers a meeting of the churchwardens of the Diocese of Harare and the second is a letter from Bishop Chad Gandiya.

It has been reported in the wider media that 'President' Robert Mugabe is preparing his party Zanu-PF for new elections in the Spring of 2010. The prospect of another fixed election, this time to try and shake off Morgan Tsvangerai and the MDF opposition from the current power sharing arrangements is daunting.

ANGLICAN-INFORMATION: suggests that the new outbreak of Nolbert Kunonga inspired disruption and violence against Anglican Christians in the Diocese of Harare is linked to these plans.

Diocese of Manicaland: Some trouble has also been experienced at the instigation of Kunonga ally dissident bishop Elson Jakazi who is opposing the new CPCA bishop Julius Makoni. There has been reported trouble at St David's, Bonda to the north of Mutare. Thus far the disruption does not match that in Harare.

Diocese of Lake Malawi: The court injunction brought against the CPCA bishops preventing them from confirming or consecrating the Venerable Francis Kaulanda is to be heard in January. The injunction has been brought on behalf of an unprecedented number of lay objectors.

Pray for rain: The rainy season is off to a poor start in the region. Whilst world leaders squabble in affluent Copenhagen, and largely fail to offer a significant reduction in climate changing economic activity, subsistence farmers in the Central African Province anxiously watch the skies for increasingly unpredictable but life-giving rain.

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Two reports from Zimbabwe

From: The Diocese of Harare CPCA - 5th December 2009

‘The Police at it again!

Having received disturbing news about the plans to disrupt our services on
Sunday the 6th November by Kunonga and his priests, we called an emergency
meeting of our churchwardens in the diocese. We felt that it was necessary
for the church officials to meet at our diocesan office for a briefing. They
all came in spite of the short notice. We briefed them about what we had
heard. Mr Chingore, our registrar explained the situation to them
emphasizing their legal rights. Some of the parishes had already experienced
disruptions to scheduled weddings and other programmes that they had in
place. Our people were very upset about the recurrence of police
interference in church affairs. In the face of the current court ruling on
the use of church buildings, the police would appear, in terms to be
taking their orders from Kunonga. We encouraged our people to be vigilant
and to keep the law authorities informed about any threats and potential
conflicts in their parishes. We encouraged them not to take the law into
their own hands. At the same time we told them to stand up for their rights
and to keep everyone informed’.



From: The Rt Rev’d Dr. Chad Gandiya
2nd Sunday in Advent - 6th December 2009

‘I started receiving calls from our clergy about heavy police presence on
church premises. The police claimed to have orders to stop all our services
from today onwards. Mr. Chingore, our diocesan registrar, was bombarded by
telephone calls from our clergy who wanted to know what to do and why they
were being barred from using their churches. The police were literally
enforcing an order to prevent our people from worshipping today. I was due
to conduct a confirmation service at St Michaels Church in Mbare high
density suburb at 11.30am. The parish priest there telephoned to say we
could not use the building because the police had told them not to do so. He
wondered if they should find another venue. I told him not to and that I was
going to try and see the police commissioner. The diocesan registrar
telephoned me in order to brief me about the turn of events in the parishes.
We agreed that we should go to the Harare Central Police Station and see the
police commissioner on duty and seek clarification to the ugly turn of
events. She was not in the office. Her subordinate called her and we were
able to speak with her on our cell phone. She claimed that the police were
in our churches to maintain law and order. She admitted that Kunonga had
told them that the diocesan properties belonged to his group and that we
were not supposed to use them. This was in spite of both the fact that the
police have Justice Makarawu's court ruling that we should share the
buildings until the case was brought to the high court and our appeal
against judge Hlatshwayo's ruling which had given our diocesan properties to
Kunonga. The registrar explained the situation to her and asked her to
clarify how and when the police started taking orders from Kunonga. She
insisted that there was no order from higher up in the police force or
government to stop us from using our buildings. The registrar requested her
to command her police officers stopping our people from using their
buildings to leave. The order took a while to filter down. I was able to
conduct my confirmation service much, much later. There was much ululating
when the police were leaving and the patient and determined Christians
started singing 'Onward Christian soldiers' as they danced their way into
the church. We confirmed 89 people.

The faith, commitment and courage of the people of this diocese is very
humbling and encouraging indeed. I can openly state that in spite of the
disturbances and hardships our people are facing, there is a revival taking
place in our church.

We are very concerned that according to the police officers the orders to
disrupt our services and stop us from using our churches are coming from the
Commissioner General himself. We are equally concerned that the police seem
to be taking orders from Kunonga. Our people are observing the law regarding
the sharing of buildings for worship but the police are treating them as
criminals for observing the law. Does this mean that our police have nothing
else to do and so they have to occupy themselves by preventing us from
worshipping God in our church buildings?

We are asking all our brothers and sisters in the Anglican Communion to
continue praying for us. We are asking our brothers and sisters in other
denominations and ZCC (The Zimbabwe Council of Churches) to remember us in
their prayers and support us in our struggle for justice. Today it is us,
who knows who might be next?’

+Chad Harare.

.........END........

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Renegade former Bishop Nolbert Kunonga stirs more trouble in Zimbabwe

Not quite toothless - 'Archbishop' Nolbert Kunonga

From: ANGLICAN-INFORMATION

We have been asked to publish the following from Trish McKenzie in Harare, Zimbabwe raising further concerns at the actions of renegade self-styled 'Archbishop' Nolbert Kunonga. Kunonga was formerly Bishop of Harare and a close associate of former Archbishop Bernard Malango before breaking away from the Province. Prior to his original election to the Diocese of Harare, Kunonga was a lecturer at the Unification Church (Moonie) seminary in Barrytown, New York where he was awarded his doctorate.

For a documented example of Kunonga's recent actions at St Clare's, Mangwende, visit our companion blogsite: http://notthesamestream.blogspot.com

Trish McKenzie reports: 'Dr Nolbert Kunonga is again trying to destabilize the diocese by invading various churches and interrupting confirmations, weddings and other legitimate activities in contravention of various judgments handed down since 19 January 2008 and subsequent appeals by the Diocese of Harare CPCA where the judgments have been adverse. The Bishop, Dean, priests and parishioners are determined to continue holding their services at the times permitted in terms of the Makarau Judgment of January 2008. Please continue to pray for justice and an end of the harassment by Kunonga'.

And more details from Avondale Parish:

EVENTS IN THE DIOCESE OF HARARE (CPCA)

MINUTES OF A MEETING HELD AT THE DIOCESAN OFFICES, 9 MONMOUTH ROAD, AVONDALE ON SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER 2009 AT 1200 HOURS.

Over the last two weeks, and at intervals recently, Dr Kunonga has
again interfered with the parishes in this diocese in contravention of
the judgments that have been handed down over a period of time since
January 19 2008 and in an attempt to destabilize the diocese. The
following are some of the incidents that have occurred:

Saturday 28 November 2009: St Clare’s Church Murewa: The police
entered the church as Bishop Chad was about to administer the elements
and drove everyone out of the church. When asked why the reply was
“political”. The incident is being pursued with the Officer in Command
of DESPO in Marondera as the officer-in-charge at Murewa had no right
to interfere with the service.

On Sunday 29 November during the Confirmation Service at Kuwadzana the
congregation was ordered out of the church by the police and the
service was held in the open. The Police did not assist us in
preventing the parishioners being forced out of the church by Kunonga
thereby disobeying the court order and not upholding the judgment.

Tafara: The parishioners have been informed by a letter posted at the
church that Dr Kunonga will be holding one service all day on Sunday 6
December 2009. This is in contravention of the Makarau Judgement
permitting CPCA priests to hold services ninety minutes after those
held by Kunonga’s priests.

Church of the Transfiguration Warren Park: The parishioners have been
informed the only one service will be held on Sunday 6 December by
Kunonga from 0800-1700 hours and members of CPCA may attend if they
wish. Again contravention of the Makarau judgement.

St Faith’s Budariro: Three weddings were due to be held last week.
Some of the known supporters of Kunonga entered the church after the
first wedding and said that there is a new chapter beginning and
people can only attend their services and not those of CPCA.

Glenview: A competition was supposed to be held by a cell phone
service company today 5 December 2009. Permission was granted as
Kunonga people never use the church on a Saturday. When the PR lady
was supervising the erection of the marquee she was told that Kunonga
would be at the church all day and the event has been cancelled. The
priest and parishioners have been stopped from using the church.

St Elizabeth’s Belvedere: Were due to have a fete today which has been
well publicized. The police were informed in advance but when the
person appointed to liaise with the police went to check yesterday he
was told that Kunonga would be having a fete today and that the church
was booked in advance of CPCA booking the church. In addition the
doors have been bolted from inside and the lock changed on the gate.

Hatfield: On Friday 4 December two or three visitors went to see Rev
Zhou and informed him that they wanted to use the church all day on 5
and 6 December. There however are two weddings booked and they were
informed that they could use the facilities after the weddings but on
Sunday the Salvation Army use the church after CPCA and therefore it
would not be available.

St Paul’s Marlborough: On Sunday 29 November Munyani and six priests
went to St Paul’s just before the start of the 0700 service and called
the priest out and told him to tell the parishioners to go home and
come back at 1230 hours in contravention of the court ruling. The
Kunonga priest was called as there is a written agreement with him. He
was told that he should not have agreed without permission from the
Head Office (Kunonga).

Bishop Gaul College: On Friday 4 December Kunonga and two others went
to the College with a bunch of keys. The ordinands were told that
Kunonga would “come like a whirlwind to the College”.

The diocese is not taking these contraventions lightly and will be
pursue through the courts any attempt by Kunonga to prevent the
legitimate services being held.

The Bishop, Dean, priests, wardens and parishioners are determined to
continue with the services at the times that they have been holding
them in accordance with the Makarau Judgment and will not tolerate
the breaching of the court orders by the Police.

Please continue to pray for the diocese for strength and wisdom to
overcome the evil that is being perpetrated.

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