THE Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe faction led by Amon Madawo yesterday began courting members from a rival faction led by Cossam Chiangwa after winning a bruising fight for control of the church.

AFM in Zimbabwe secretary-general Briton Tembo said they were willing to readmit pastors who were aligned to Chiangwa’s faction, adding that errant pastors would be readmitted subject to fulfilling some requirements.

On May 28, 2021, the Supreme Court ruled that Chiangwa was not the legitimate leader of AFM. Chiangwa accepted the judgment and went on to form AFM of Zimbabwe.

“May it be known that AFM in Zimbabwe has not excommunicated any member and all are welcome to worship with us subject to the current COVID-19 restrictions,” Tembo said in a statement.

“May it also be known that the church’s doors remain open for all who wish to worship with us, even those that were worshipping with Reverend Chiangwa in the immediate past. Those who wish to join Reverend Chiangwa’s church are free to do so as freedom of worship is guaranteed under the Zimbabwean Constitution.

“The leadership of the AFM in Zimbabwe assures those who were previously fellowshipping with Reverend Chiangwa and his followers and wish to join us that they will not be condemned, victimised or demonised in any manner, but instead will be received with open arms.”

The Madawo-led faction recently filed an urgent High Court chamber application seeking to bar Chiangwa from using a logo similar to that of AFM. The High Court is yet to make a ruling on the matter.

Tembo also said despite the Supreme Court ruling which legitimised Madawo’s leadership, Chiangwa’s followers were refusing to vacate church premises.

He threatened to take legal action against rival members who were refusing to release church assets, including vehicles and other church equipment.

“They have orchestrated a social media campaign in which they play the victim who is being hounded out of church properties. This campaign is nothing more than sympathy-seeking as they seek to raise money for a property they want to acquire, ”Tembo said.

Efforts to get a comment from Chiangwa were fruitless.