The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
AFRICAN indigenous churches have been urged to be on the lookout for crooked men of the cloth who are committing sin and crime under the guise of religion.
There have been reports of men of the cloth sexually abusing women and charging congregants money in exchange for salvation.
Addressing thousands of congregants during a Feast of Tabernacles in Rusike, Goromonzi, on Sunday, St Johns Apostolic Church of the Whole World founder, Bishop Sydney Mabhiza, said reports of abuse of church members were worrying.
“I do not want to hear any of our pastors and leaders here using God’s name to trick women into sexual relationships.
“When dealing and praying for women, I recommend you only touch their heads, and not any other part of their body that can lead you to temptations,” Bishop Mabhiza said.
He said no congregant should pay for healing, and that no man of God would charge people for free salvation.
“Let it be known here that any prophet or pastor who demands payment for healing people is not from St John’s Church.
“As a church, we condemn such acts and if anyone here has paid a prophet, then you need to demand your money back,” he said.
