Gono gives Prophets green light to generate 'miracle money'

Spirit Embassy church leader Prophet Uebert Angel is free to continue generating "miracle money" because his practices do not contravene the country's banking regulations, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Dr Gideon Gono has said.

At a Press conference after meeting Prophet Angel and United Family International founder and president Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa in Harare on Tuesday, Dr Gono said such miracles will not affect money supply.

"There is no contradiction between what the Prophets have been doing and the laws of the land. Principally, we were concerned with the misunderstanding concerning laws governing anti-money laundering as well as the prevention of the funding of terrorism," said the central bank chief who was flanked by the two church leaders.

"Following the meeting, we are sure that what the two men of God do is not in violation of any of those rules. There is no violation of the nature we feared. The miracles, signs and wonders of this nature will not result in the growth of the broad money supply. We should, therefore, not expect the liquidity situation of the country to change."

Also speaking at the conference, Prophet Angel said he will not stop performing miracles of a similar nature.

"Why would we stop? I won't stop! God is doing these miracles. Miracle money was a sign that God is able to do greater things. But let it be put on record that we are not trying to make people lazy.

"At our churches, we have business lectures where we try to encourage people to start their own businesses. We are not crazy! We did not say we are creating money. This was merely restoration of what one would have lost.

"For instance, if you lose US$20 in Mutoko, when God restores that money you will get it all back with serial numbers and everything."

Prophet Makandiwa weighed in, saying they will continue to operate within the confines of the law.

"God told His people to go out and heal the sick, raise the dead and cleanse the lepers. He has given us power to do that. But a miracle is genuine when you are genuine yourself," said Prophet Makandiwa.

"Today, we have made ourselves clear on how we operate to the governor. We know there are laws that should be followed and we are determined to do just that.

"Sometimes when we pray things that most people do not understand might happen. These things will continue happening."

Prophet Angel stirred controversy after some of his congregants were said to have inexplicably found money in their pockets and bank accounts following his prophetic declarations.

Equally, several of Prophet Makandiwa's church members also reportedly picked gold dust. Monetary authorities subsequently raised concern that the "miracle money" could be out of step with the law.