Manhanga not persecuting MDC members – NEC

There have been numerous media reports in the past few weeks about politicisation in the church. But the NEC has affirmed that Manhanga enjoys the support of the overwhelming majority of churches and credential holders within the PAOZ

A statement from the NEC says: We place it on record that Manhanga has not attempted to politicize the church and there are no squabbles pitting him against any pastors. In accordance with our constitution, pastors who fall foul of their responsibilities face disciplinary action and this is done by the Provincial Council in the first instance and the National Executive Council as the final authority.

The PAOZ does not have a blacklist of pastors it wants to get rid of, but does have record of pastors who are guilty of contravening laid down procedures of the church and in the instance of one such pastor mentioned in one of the articles, is linked to a case of criminal misconduct. As such the PAOZ reserves the right to offer credentials to those who uphold the tenets and values of the church.

The church is adamant that it does not consider the political affiliation of any of its church members or pastors when they apply for membership. We have within our church membership and pastorate people of diverse political parties, says the statement.

The leaders confirmed reports that Jonathan Moyo and Gideon Gono had spoken at a recent church Leadership Summit, saying they were respectable members of society and were invited to make presentations on various topics. Henry Madzorera was invited to make a presentation but was unable to attend due to other commitments. The presentations were well received by the hundreds of local church leaders and pastors present.