Zimbabwe official Nick Mangwana thinks the government should regulate churches because many religious scams pretend to be Christian. He doesn't follow any religion but believes genuine faith should comfort people and build community. Mangwana claims many Zimbabwe churches stray from these good intentions. Instead, they spread political unrest, enable child marriages, allow sexual misconduct, steal money, and behave like cults.
Mangwana points to recent events at Madzibaba Ishmael's farm as proof of dangerous cult activity. He finds it disturbing when people are pressured to give up their money or their children. What alarms him most is how easy starting a church has become. Anyone can find a rock somewhere, declare it sacred, plant a banner, and create a church instantly.
The lack of oversight lets con artists pose as religious figures and exploit vulnerable believers. Mangwana insists Zimbabwe must examine church regulations more carefully. Religious freedom shouldn't become a shield for harmful activities. He calls for religious leaders to face greater accountability.
Regulation seems especially important for newer evangelical, apostolic, and Pentecostal movements. These groups typically form around a single charismatic leader who members treat as divinely inspired. This creates unhealthy power dynamics where one person controls finances, operations, and members completely.
Leadership positions often pass through family lines as if spiritual gifts transfer through marriage. A husband declares himself a prophet, and magically, his wife becomes a prophetess. Financial matters remain secretive, with only family members handling church money. Without regulation, tracking funds becomes impossible.
Mangwana recommends creating clear regulatory frameworks tailored to these church types. Requirements should include financial transparency through audited accounts and detailed budgets. Churches need independent oversight committees to prevent founders from maintaining complete control.
Many countries have already successfully regulated religious organizations. South African churches must register as nonprofits and submit financial statements, constitutions, and other documentation. They must also follow standard accounting practices and undergo regular audits to maintain compliance.
For Zimbabwe, Mangwana suggests churches register with authorities like the Revenue Authority and Ministry of Public Service. Registration should require submitting church constitutions, financial reports, leadership lists, and governance systems. Leaders should undergo background checks to screen out those with histories of financial crimes or sexual offenses.
Mangwana points to recent events at Madzibaba Ishmael's farm as proof of dangerous cult activity. He finds it disturbing when people are pressured to give up their money or their children. What alarms him most is how easy starting a church has become. Anyone can find a rock somewhere, declare it sacred, plant a banner, and create a church instantly.
The lack of oversight lets con artists pose as religious figures and exploit vulnerable believers. Mangwana insists Zimbabwe must examine church regulations more carefully. Religious freedom shouldn't become a shield for harmful activities. He calls for religious leaders to face greater accountability.
Regulation seems especially important for newer evangelical, apostolic, and Pentecostal movements. These groups typically form around a single charismatic leader who members treat as divinely inspired. This creates unhealthy power dynamics where one person controls finances, operations, and members completely.
Leadership positions often pass through family lines as if spiritual gifts transfer through marriage. A husband declares himself a prophet, and magically, his wife becomes a prophetess. Financial matters remain secretive, with only family members handling church money. Without regulation, tracking funds becomes impossible.
Mangwana recommends creating clear regulatory frameworks tailored to these church types. Requirements should include financial transparency through audited accounts and detailed budgets. Churches need independent oversight committees to prevent founders from maintaining complete control.
Many countries have already successfully regulated religious organizations. South African churches must register as nonprofits and submit financial statements, constitutions, and other documentation. They must also follow standard accounting practices and undergo regular audits to maintain compliance.
For Zimbabwe, Mangwana suggests churches register with authorities like the Revenue Authority and Ministry of Public Service. Registration should require submitting church constitutions, financial reports, leadership lists, and governance systems. Leaders should undergo background checks to screen out those with histories of financial crimes or sexual offenses.
