The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ), one of the country’s largest and most respected denominations, is teetering on the edge of chaos as infighting and factionalism threaten to tear it apart.
At the heart of the turmoil is the controversial return of former presiding bishop Reverend Amos Ndhlumbi, who served from 2011 to 2015. His bid to reclaim the church’s top position has sparked a bitter power struggle, with accusations of misconduct, suspensions, and resignations casting a dark cloud over the church’s leadership.
The drama unfolded ahead of the church’s August elective conference, where a faction within the MCZ is pushing for Ndhlumbi’s return. However, this move is being met with fierce resistance from another faction reportedly led by the current presiding bishop, Reverend George Mawire. The conflict has escalated into a full-blown crisis, with allegations of impropriety and underhanded tactics dominating the discourse.
Allegations of Neglect and a Child Born Out of Wedlock
The controversy took a dramatic turn when Ndhlumbi was accused of neglecting a child allegedly born out of wedlock. According to sources within the church, Ndhlumbi was suspended from his position as a reverend after the allegations surfaced. Before his suspension, he was leading an assembly in Cranborne, Harare, a role that has since been taken over by Reverend Maxwell Mugabe.
A source close to the matter revealed to NewsDay Weekender: “This is the current state of affairs at MCZ. There is drama at Wesley House. Former presiding bishop Ndhlumbi is accused of neglecting his son born out of wedlock. This is seemingly a war ahead of the church’s elective conference to be held later in the year. Ndhlumbi is reportedly eyeing a comeback, hence the drama unfolding.”
The allegations have divided the church, with some members supporting Ndhlumbi and others rallying behind Mawire. The situation has become so tense that Ndhlumbi initially resigned from his position as a cleric, only to revoke his resignation days later, claiming he was forced to step down under duress.
Ndhlumbi’s Resignation and Revocation
In a letter dated October 15, 2024, addressed to Mawire and the church leadership, Ndhlumbi vehemently denied the allegations and accused the church hierarchy of fabricating lies to tarnish his reputation. The letter, which is in possession of NewsDay Weekender, reads in part:
“The presiding bishop then went on to accuse me of having caused serious irreparable harm and disrepute upon the church, his office and himself as a person as a result of my indiscipline. The presiding bishop went on to mention several allegations against myself and to my utter shock, dismay and disbelief, the presiding bishop impressed it upon myself to resign with immediate effect and immediately vacate the church manse.”
Ndhlumbi further claimed that he was given no time to reflect on the situation and was forced to resign under immense pressure. “I was cornered and given no time to reflect on what was happening. I had no alternative, but to do as I was told by the highest office in the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe. Further to that, I felt that I had no recourse as the presiding bishop is the ultimate authority within the MCZ,” he wrote.
The former presiding bishop also alleged that he was given only 48 hours to vacate the church manse, leaving him with no time to seek legal advice. He concluded by revoking his resignation, stating that it was done under duress and amounted to constructive dismissal.
Disciplinary Hearing and Suspension
The conflict escalated further when Ndhlumbi was summoned to a Minor Synod, a disciplinary hearing, to address the allegations against him. The hearing, chaired by Harare West district bishop Lindsay Rukarwa, took place on December 3, 2024, and was attended by seven clerics, including two from Ndhlumbi’s camp. These are reverends Brian Mugwidi, Linrle Link Mutendzwa, Acub Simba, Morrison Chiwundura, Peter Mangiza and retired bishop Justin Masendeke as well as Rukarwa.
According to the minutes of the meeting, which were obtained by NewsDay Weekender, Ndhlumbi denied the allegations and suggested that the accusations were part of a plot to extort money from him.
“Reverend Amos Ndhlumbi denied the allegations and indicated that someone could want to fleece some money from him. He said there were no paternity tests to implicate him as the biological father to (name withheld),” the minutes read.
A Church Divided
The infighting within the MCZ has left the church deeply divided, with members taking sides in the bitter feud between Ndhlumbi and Mawire. Some believe that the allegations against Ndhlumbi are politically motivated, aimed at disqualifying him from contesting in the upcoming elective conference.
An insider told NewsDay Weekender: “The word doing the rounds is that they want to make sure Ndhlumbi remains out of station so that he becomes ineligible for the 2025 elections.”
The conflict has also raised questions about the church’s leadership and its ability to resolve internal disputes fairly and transparently. Many members are calling for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, urging the church to focus on its spiritual mission rather than being consumed by politics and power struggles.
A History of Service and Tradition
The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe has a rich history, tracing its roots back to British Methodist mission activity in 1891. Over the years, it has grown into one of the country’s most influential denominations, playing a key role in community development and spiritual guidance. However, the current crisis threatens to undermine its legacy and tarnish its reputation.
As the church prepares for its August elective conference, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome of the power struggle between Ndhlumbi and Mawire will have far-reaching implications for the future of the MCZ.
