BishopAccountability.org
	Dissenters Fired from Mvutjini Controversial Church By Ackel Zwane Swazi Observer July 22, 2011 http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=27680 A number of worshippers who were holding top positions have been kicked out of a Mvutjini controversial church for exposing rot that goes on at the institution of ‘worship’. This follows reports in the last edition of this newspaper, where allegations of sexual abuses were revealed after a girl reported to the church mothers that she had been sexually abused by a pastor in the church. Worshippers also revealed that there was drama during the Sunday sermon, where the lead pastor announced that someone had sprinkled salt granules where he was to stand while preaching. He is said to have assured his followers that he would defeat the assault by the ‘forces of darkness’. However, the followers were not amused by this publicity stunt, especially because they were sick and tired of being threatened with demons and other elements of the cult. buy They said they could not buy into the story, especially because the rumour of the sexual abuse had been circulating like wild fire. They felt the pastor was merely trying to divert attention with the salt drama. “He is always scaring us with the seven headed snake, the hydra or inyokamakhandakhanda. Some of the worshippers are so scared of this snake and believe that if they dissent he would unleash it to them. We have had enough and that is why we left,” said another female worshipper who had expressed how devoted she was when she first joined. The worshippers say the pastor is always telling them about the adventures of travelling with devil worshippers, into the bowels of the earth. It is such sermons that make the worshippers shiver and then make more contributions and increase their loyalty to him. The worshippers have also revealed that they are forced to make contributions three times each service, two during the week and one on Sunday. First it is the collections surrendered in an envelope, the usual collection and the minimum of E500 upwards towards the purchasing of a car for the pastor. They said he wants to buy the latest in the range of BMW and already by Sunday the pastor had collected E45 000 and still calling for more. shouts “If he sees that the money is not enough, he shouts at us for more. He also does not believe in coins but wants notes. Some people come from afar and are forced to part with the last of their money or else the demons would follow them wherever they go,” said a worshipper. What also disturbs the worshippers is the use of foul language when preaching and the gestures made towards female worshippers. In one of these sermons, it is alleged, the pastor admired a female master of ceremonies, yet his wife was also present, saying he liked the dress code, especially the hairstyle. They could not do much to comfort the otherwise embarrassed woman. In some instances the pastor discloses private matters brought to him by afflicted worshippers for relief in the same fashion an irresponsible medical doctor would make diagnosis of a patient’s illness. He is also accused of pointing at people and, in the name of prophecy, foretells the problem and gives solutions. In most cases, the prophecy is false but again, fear stops them from confronting the pastor and tell him the prophecy is offside. “I believe in prophecy but what is happening now I have no alternative but to quit. The last straw was when he reported an injury but we were later told it was a fight over a Blackberry that had been promised to a worshipper and this promise was never fulfilled. I have begun to understand why so many are deserting the church.” We asked the worshippers as to why they were not reporting this pastor to the church elders, and they said there was only one church elder who ran the show and is in cahoots with the pastor. A member of any of the committees is not allowed to question the actions of any of the pastors. Members of the finance committee were dismissed, leaving only one member, who is also expected to be shown the door soonest unless he surrenders all the monies and books of accounts to the senior pastor, who is also the sole signatory to the funds. The pastor in question refuses to entertain our questions, even after he was sent an sms. It was gathered that he told the followers that he did not react to media reports because that would ‘cheapen’ him. People must come out with evidence Reverend Dr Stephen Masilela President of the Conference of Churches has expressed shock and dismay at the revelations but encouraged people to come forward with evidence because as matters stand it would be their word against the said priest. He said although it was important to expose such disturbing information it is equally important to make such statements substantiated with evidence. “We, however, cannot discourage people from telling it all especially because this touches on the institution of the church,” said Masilela. He could not however comment much on the other allegations because of legal reasons. Testimonies n Ackel I’m a wife wemuntfu and can’t just reveal myself to you. Afraid of my hubby. My story is I went to this office where they charge E500 wangibamba buntfu bami watisondzeta kimi wareleasa emvakwaloko watsi utangishayela siye kuMaguga siyongcebeleka. I was traumatised angry because people cannot listen to me ngoba they trust him. He’s an evil man of God. I swear I hate him so much ngake ngeva people accusing him but what I experienced! I wish the property agent can close down the so called office. please do a story. I’m afraid my hubby can just divorce me. Don’t reveal my number. n Bhuti I’m also disappointed that journalists are afraid of this man who is robbing us our money and people think he’s a holy preacher when he’s not. I understand uyadiza. You guys must take a stand on this. How many people go there ababambe and get away with it. Please sisiteni, ungcolile lobabe loya, kakhulu kakhulu.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.