Turmoil in church leads to lockout
Last Sunday fellow worshippers turned back without gaining access to the holy place as all entrances to the church were locked amid speculations of grievances and dissatisfaction with their priest.
KANYAMAZANE – There seems to be division among members of the St Peter’s Parish (Roman Catholic) Church at this branch.
Last Sunday fellow worshippers turned back without gaining access to the holy place as all entrances to the church were locked amid speculations of grievances and dissatisfaction with their priest.
Mpumalanga News learned that some members of the church accused the priest of immorality, running scams, being a dictator and of electing members of the Local Parish Council (LPC) undemocratically.
“The gates will be locked until the priest comes to address us,” they shouted. “In the event of death, we will see what to do,” they said.
This newspaper learned that the whole demonstration started the previous church service.
Chairperson of the LPC, Mr Lungile Maqina says several attempts were made by the local council to get the concerned group in one room to hear and address their concerns in an amicable way.
He added that means were also made to get these members to meet with the higher structure, Pastoral Parish Council, last Saturday but members of the concerned group didn’t show up.
“As a local leadership elected to serve the congregants, we are still willing to look at their petition and resolve the issues in an amicable way, not in a public gallery outside the church,” said Maqina.
