SW Radio Africa News Story - News story

SW Radio Africa News Story - News story

Nineteen Anglican Church wardens and members of the choir have been banned by a Harare court from attending services at the cathedral in the city. This follows an application by Harare Bishop Nolbert Kunonga who accused them of trying to disrupt his wedding anniversary at the weekend. Kunonga shot himself in the foot by ordering the closure of over 45 Anglican churches in Harare. The directive, which also saw the closure of St Mary’s cathedral in the city-centre, was meant to facilitate the celebration of his 33rd wedding anniversary at the city sports centre.

The decision however proved ill advised as hordes of parishioners boycotted the prayer meeting that had been lined up as an alternative to normal services in church. Some of those who attended made attempts to disrupt the celebrations as a show of disapproval for the Bishop whom they feel is trying to develop a cult status in the church. Harare based journalist Gift Phiri told Newsreel that Kunonga asserted in court papers that the group did not follow the laid out sermon and procession and that those in the choir refused to provide choral music. The court order states that those banned cannot attend services at the cathedral with effect from next Sunday. But the banned parishioners have said they will challenge the order.