Apostolic sect threats

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Written by Radio VOP

Wednesday, 28 July 2010 07:09

BULAWAYO - Church leaders of the Johanne Marange Apostolic sect here have ordered all church members to buy Zanu (PF) party cards or risk being thrown out of the church.

According to church members who spoke to Radio VOP, the directive was announced by Madzibaba Shadreck Kwembeya at one of the sect's church services held at an open space in Tshabalala on Sunday.

"Madzibaba Kwembeya told us that following President Robert Mugabe's attendance of the sect's annual pass over in Marange recently, it was agreed by the church's leadership that everyone in the church should reciprocate Mugabe's donations of two tractors to the church by joining Zanu (PF). Kwembeya made it clear that anyone who was against Zanu (PF) and its leadership was free to leave the church and start his or her own church," said Irvine Machokoto, a long serving member of the church.

Everyone in the church is expected to have bought a Zanu (PF) card by the end of August this year.

"I would rather leave the church than buy a Zanu (PF) card. Why are these guys mixing Christianity and politics? I hear they have already invited Zanu (PF) secretary for commissariat, Webster Shamu, to address all members of the sect in Bulawayo. Church members should be allowed to join political parties of their choice, not to be told what to do by church elders," said Susan Ncube, another member of the church.

In a desperate bid to win the sect's support Mugabe last week attended the sect's pass over in Marange while donning white robes. During the meeting Mugabe donated two tractors to the church. Mugabe also held a closed door meeting with the church's leadership where the church's leadership pledged to whip their members to support him and his party.

When reached for comment Kwembeya was arrogant. "I do not talk to newspapers which do not respect our god given president. Write whatever you like," he said before switching off his mobile phone.

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