The Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe (AFM) is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis that has the potential to lead to a split within the church.
Reports indicate that Reverend Cossum Chiangwa, the leader of the church, has unilaterally altered the church's constitution, stirring discontent among other elders and pastors. The essence of the conflict revolves around allegations that Rev Chiangwa has amended the constitution without the involvement of the other elders, consolidating his hold on power and circumventing the prescribed electoral process.
Under the AFM constitution, regular elections are mandated every three years to select a new president and deputy president from among senior pastors. However, concerned pastors have accused Rev Chiangwa of neglecting to facilitate these elections and sidestepping the constitutional stipulations.
The brewing tensions have prompted a series of meetings, with certain factions advocating for Rev Chiangwa to relinquish his position. The failure to adhere to the church's constitution, coupled with concerns that Rev Chiangwa has defied the age limit of 65 years for serving as the church's presiding figure, has exacerbated the discord within the AFM.
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Leadership Conflict Threatens AFM Church with Potential Split! |
Expressing their frustrations and grievances, concerned pastors have conveyed their disillusionment with the current leadership, emphasizing the need for a transparent and objective resolution to the internal discord. The difficulty in finding common ground and the lingering discontent among the clergy have highlighted the gravity of the situation, with hopes for conflict resolution gradually diminishing.
The unfolding rift within the AFM serves as a poignant reflection of the challenges encountered in managing institutional governance and internal power dynamics. The potential repercussions of a division within the church are significant, carrying implications not only for the AFM but also for the broader religious community in Zimbabwe.
As the AFM grapples with this critical juncture, the need for an amicable and sustainable resolution to the leadership conflict is paramount to safeguarding the unity and integrity of the church. The trajectory of the situation remains uncertain, but the implications of a potential split within the AFM are likely to resonate across the religious landscape of Zimbabwe, underscoring the far-reaching impact of internal divisions within religious organizations.