One of the largest and oldest denominational churches in Zimbabwe, the Anglican Church has been rocked by allegations of sexual misconduct within the clergy.
Reverend Talent Makanga of the Anglican Church Diocese of Manicaland wrote a letter to the Bishop following the alleged adulterous relationship between his wife (Lynnette Manyumwa) and another pastor, Reverend Position Chikuruwo.
In a letter seen by Manica Post, Rev Makanga wrote to Bishop Eric Ruwona in which he requested the Bishop to intervene in the adultery case. The letter reads as follows:
On Friday, June 7, 2019, an incident occurred around midnight at our parish house where I and my cousin William witnessed Rev Chikuruwo and my wife in a spare bedroom.
Upon arrival, we were astonished and disheartened with the kind of night dress that my wife was putting on and Reverend (Chikuruwo) was trying to put back his shirt.
I failed to get a clear explanation and went to bed. The following morning I informed my relatives and the Dean about the issue.
The family resolved that my wife needs some time in her home village. On 11 June, the DS and Ven Chikore, his wife and a neighbour came to hear the story that had gone viral.
The conclusion was that what the two did was not proper and (they)were supposed to apologise of which they accepted.
Lord Bishop this issue has devastated and traumatised me and I am confused.
As a family we have done our part and (we) will follow the procedures according to Shona culture. I just pray that as for my brother priest it is up to the church to decide.
As I have presented my facts before to the DS and his delegation and they all agreed that the issue was very sensitive. I am now leaving the issue to them. For me to discuss it further it is quite disheartening.
Reverend Makanga told Manica Post in an interview this Thursday that the Bishop has denied knowledge of the matter yet he received the letter.
Meanwhile, Reverend Makanga has since separated from his wife.