Story by Jeremiah Gora
The United Methodist Church convened a pivotal conference at the Malbereign Circuit in Harare today to nominate candidates for the esteemed Zimbabwe Episcopal Area Bishop position, marking a significant step in the church’s leadership transition.
Current Zimbabwe Episcopal Area Bishop Eben Kanukai Nhiwatiwa skillfully led the proceedings of the conference, ensuring that everything unfolded smoothly and efficiently.
After thorough counting and verification, Bishop Nhiwatiwa announced the results of the nominations, ensuring transparency and integrity in the process.
“I will announce the results, starting with the top three candidates, and then I will reveal the rest in order.
“The top three results are as follows: Machinga Gift with 310 votes, Matonga Forbes with 202 votes, and lastly Mutezo Viena with 99 votes,” announced Bishop Nhiwatiwa.
Furthermore, He then went on to announce the rest candidates that were nominated.
Bishop Nhiwatiwa continued, “Now, I will announce the rest in their order: 4. Nyarota Lloyd with 92 votes, 5. Chingonzo Anne Grace with 53 votes, 6. Madziire Tsitsi with 49 votes, 7. Gurupira Allen with 21 votes, 8. Bishau David with 15 votes, 9. Chitsiku Daniel with 10 votes, 10. Rafemoyo Lloyd with 2 votes, 11. Marima Eunice with 2 votes, 12. Risinamhodzi Godknows with 2 votes, 13. Mudede Cecil with 2 votes, and 14. Maenzanise Beauty with 1 vote.”
In addition, he also announced that the names of the top three nominees that is Rev Dr G. K. Machinga, Rev F. Matonga, and Rev V. Mutezo would be forwarded as Bishop candidates to be voted on at another conference to be held later.
“I want to emphasize that this is a nomination election only, where delegates vote for candidates, and the top three candidates will then proceed to be voted on at another conference where a Bishop will be chosen.
“I want to make it clear that today’s results do not mean we have elected a new Bishop,” Bishop Nhiwatiwa clarified.
The appointment of the new Bishop has generated considerable interest, but only time will tell if their leadership brings forth the transformative changes and resolutions that many in the community are eagerly anticipating.
The United Methodist Church General Conference adopted a stance on homosexuality, leading to a significant division within the church as some members chose to pull out in response.
Most African churches voted to retain the traditional stance on homosexuality, upholding the Book of Discipline’s prohibitions on same-sex marriage and ordination of LGBTQ+ clergy, leading to a rift within the church and prompting some progressive congregations and clergy to consider separating or reorganizing.
The Zimbabwe Episcopal Area has yet to announce its official position on the issue, while the laws of the country do not permit homosexuality.
Bishop Eben Kanukai Nhiwatiwa will be retiring this year, marking the end of his distinguished tenure as the United Methodist Church Zimbabwe Episcopal Area current bishop.
