Gospel Life International Church is embroiled in a dispute between its branches over the ownership of a newly constructed church building, which cost R1.2m to complete.
The conflict centres around the Thembisa branch, which built its church independently, without assistance from the main branch in Johannesburg.
Mitiku Achomo, pastor at the Thembisa branch, claims the main branch attempts to evict them from the church they established.
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For weeks, the Thembisa branch members have been conducting their services under a tent near the main building, as the Johannesburg branch has sought a court order to prevent them from using the church they built.
According to Achomo, the Thembisa branch of the church secured a ten-year lease from a local homeowner to establish their church, yet now find themselves in a contentious battle over the property they developed.
The main branch in Booysens, Johannesburg, asserts its claim to the church, citing its status as the parent organisation and the Thembisa branch’s subservience to it.
In contrast, Thembisa members wish to sever ties, especially as legal action has been taken against them, restricting their access to the church structure they created.
Achomo expressed his frustration, stating, “We have been forced out of the church we built because of a court order preventing us from using our own premises.
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“Our partnership with the Booysens church has been collaborative, with mutual support for our church activities.
“Unfortunately, they now claim ownership of our church while we use a tent for our services.
“Since 2016, we have built a strong community and decided to create a safe and peaceful space for worship.”
He added the branch had invested R1.2m in the building.
“I have all the receipts to prove that we covered all expenses without help.
“It is disheartening that we are subject to this court order, while the Booysens branch occupies the church we financed. We wish to dissolve this partnership and operate independently, as we have since 2016.”
Attempts to reach the Johannesburg branch for their perspective were unsuccessful, and they declined an opportunity to comment.
This story is developing and updates will be provided when more information becomes available.
Additionally, The Thembisan requested all relevant documentation in the matter, including the court order, the lease agreement, and receipts, which will be crucial in determining the rightful ownership of the building.
At the time of going to print, these documents were still outstanding from all parties involved.
