Zimbabwe courts face a flood of church property fights these days. Judges have noticed an increasing number of cases about who really owns church buildings and land. The High Court discussed this problem when it decided the Independent African Church case against Maheya back in 1998. They had to figure out how churches should handle these property battles.
The court said judges can make churches follow their written rules about property. But courts should avoid religious questions when deciding who gets what property. Many legal experts believe arbitration offers a better way to resolve these church fights. The Zimbabwe Arbitration Act creates a framework that churches can use instead of going to court.
Experts Kanokanga and Kanokanga explain that people have always needed ways to settle their disagreements. Arbitration helps everyone avoid regular courts. This process lets churches pick experts who understand religious organizations rather than using regular judges. Arbitration has worked for centuries as a peaceful alternative when groups disagree.
Churches can add arbitration rules to their constitutions. This gives members a clear path when property disputes happen. The arbitrator listens to both sides and makes a fair decision based on church documents. This keeps religious matters private instead of debating them in public courtrooms. Many religious groups find this approach respects their traditions better than standard court battles.
The court said judges can make churches follow their written rules about property. But courts should avoid religious questions when deciding who gets what property. Many legal experts believe arbitration offers a better way to resolve these church fights. The Zimbabwe Arbitration Act creates a framework that churches can use instead of going to court.
Experts Kanokanga and Kanokanga explain that people have always needed ways to settle their disagreements. Arbitration helps everyone avoid regular courts. This process lets churches pick experts who understand religious organizations rather than using regular judges. Arbitration has worked for centuries as a peaceful alternative when groups disagree.
Churches can add arbitration rules to their constitutions. This gives members a clear path when property disputes happen. The arbitrator listens to both sides and makes a fair decision based on church documents. This keeps religious matters private instead of debating them in public courtrooms. Many religious groups find this approach respects their traditions better than standard court battles.
