AFM church split takes new twist

The fight for control over the Apostolic Faith Mission church (AFM) has taken a new twist with revelations that the main faction led Reverend Amon Madawo is taking steps to expel members of the smaller rival faction led by Reverend Cossum Chiangwa, bulawayo24 has learnt.
 
A church insider who spoke to us said, "I can authoritatively tell you that the splinter group led by reverend Reverend Cossum Chiangwa will soon be expelled from the church and will they will be removed from church premises. Chiangwa's faction has no access to assets ownership  or bank accounts so really they are not a strong group and their project is doomed.

"Everything is controlled by the  constitutional leadership under  Reverend Amon Madawo who has signatories over everything."

The source said they have been negotiations going on between the two factions but they are not yielding any results.

"The two factions have been engaging in talks but the talks are crumbling.As I am speaking with you Chiangwa s pastors are being  suspended by the current administration."


AFM s history is littered with splits. The church was started in Zimbabwe by Rev Zacharius Manamela in Gwanda in 1915.
Barely a year later, one of the prominent people to come out of the church was Rev Samuel Mutendi who formed the Black Zionist Church which is now the present day ZCC Mutendi. Around 1945, another major split saw the formation of Mugodi Apostolic Church. In the 1950s, another major split came in the form of Rev Ezekiel Guti when he formed the then AOGA.

Over the years, some of the churches that have come out of AFM include Life House International led by the late Evangelist Talent Chiweshe, Heartfelt International Ministers led by Bishop Tavonga Vutabwase, United Family Church International led by Pastor Emmanuel Makandiwa and International DSD led by Pastor Oliver Chipunza.