JOHANE Masowe weChishanu interim leaders have vowed to resist attempts by the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) to ban the sect saying the move is politically motivated.
ALLIEWAY NYONI OWN CORRESPONDENT
The sect rose to prominence in May after its members bashed anti-riot police officers, journalists and ACCZ officials at their Budiriro shrine in Harare. ACCZ officials led by the association’s president Joseph Ndanga had visited the shrine to announce a ban on the sect for alleged violation of women and children’s rights.
Several members of the sect were arrested for the violence and their leader madzibaba Ishmael Mufani is on the run.
However, leaders of the sect told a regional conference attended by thousands of people at Muzvondiwa business centre about 40km from Zvishavane that they remained unfazed.
One of the interim leaders, madzibaba Moses, said no one had the power to ban the sect.
“Do not be belittled by people who have hidden agendas, especially those who claim to be Christians yet they have political missions they want to accomplish,” he said.
“We have all prayed. I believe God is with us together with madzibaba Ishmael and all others who have been arrested to remain strong and resilient to all forces that operate against the proliferation of Johane Masowe eChishanu.”
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The sect said it was prepared to work with the government, police and other authorities because it has nothing to hide.
“Right now the whole nation, especially the police and our political leaders have a different picture of who we are, but let’s go out there and show them that we are a very peaceful and God-fearing congregation that prioritises issues of nation building through God’s intervention,” said another leader madzibaba Elphus.
Madzibaba Spatwell Obey Marewo, who reportedly released a document alleging that Ndanga had been sent by Vice-President Joice Mujuru to victimise the sect for refusing to endorse her, said they would be not distracted.
“We are here to pray and nothing else. Other things can be left alone, all we want is for God to stand with us,” he said.
The sect leaders said they had come up with strategies to deal with problems bedevilling the church.
“One thing I want to appreciate about this conference is that we have managed to find solutions to all our challenges and very soon we will implement them,” said madzibaba Jephius.
“What I can tell you is that we are unstoppable because we depend on God and no one is above Him.
“We follow what the Holy Spirit directs and anything outside the Holy Spirit’s voice we do not tolerate.”
The conference was attended by members from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
