Thursday, March 11, 2010

Zimbabwe Police Fail to Enforce High Court Ruling Against Former Anglican Bishop


From Voice of America-

A Zimbabwe High Court ruling last week against former Harare Anglican Bishop Nolbert Kunonga has not ended the plight of parishioners locked out of church buildings by Kunonga loyalists.

Sources in the authorized branch of the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa said that the police on Sunday refused to enforce the High Court ruling given by Justice Chinembiri Bhunu which rejected a Kunonga appeal of an earlier ruling.

Kunonga resigned from the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa in 2008 and was later excommunicated for disobedience.

Some Anglican parishioners have been holding services in the open while more prosperous parishes have rented space from other denominations or commercial space to worship. Kunonga, whose loyalists have seized control of Anglican churches in the capital with the backing of police, have barred the opposing faction pending a final decision in the courts as to the control of Anglican church property in the vast Harare diocese.

Kunonga is a staunch supporter of President Robert Mugabe - a factor that contributed to the rift between him and the Province of Central Africa.

Anglican Priest Paul Gwese said the Church of the Province of Central Africa is seeking the assistance of political leaders in ending the dispute which he says has worn down Anglican parishioners.

More here-

http://www1.voanews.com/zimbabwe/news/human-rights/Zimbabwe-Police-Ignore-Court-Ruling-in-Harare-Anglican-Conflict-09Mar10-87128817.html

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