May 6, 2010
By Matthew Davies

Zimbabwe's Supreme Court May 3 dismissed a Church of the Province of Central Africa appeal that challenged a 2009 High Court decision recognizing excommunicated Diocese of Harare bishop Nolbert Kunonga and his breakaway faction as legitimate Anglicans.

The Anglican province's appeal was dismissed because it had not paid security fees expected by the Supreme Court, Clifford Dzavo, diocesan secretary, told ENS May 6 via telephone from his Harare office. Dzavo said that lawyers representing the diocese had advised that such fees were not required.

Contrary to various news reports, the Supreme Court ruling, issued by Deputy Chief Justice Luke Malaba, did not declare that Kunonga and his followers are the rightful owners of diocesan church assets, Dzavo said. The case concerning the ownership of diocesan property is expected to come before the Zimbabwe High Court at the end of May or the beginning of June.

Harare's loyal Anglicans have since 2007 faced intimidation from Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's police force, which is routinely instructed to take whatever measures necessary to prevent them from worshiping freely in the Diocese of Harare's churches.

Kunonga, a keen supporter of Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party, was officially excommunicated in May 2008 by the Church of the Province of Central Africa. Kunonga has supported the intimidation of Anglicans in Zimbabwe for opposing his and Mugabe's leadership.

Incumbent Bishop of Harare Chad Gandiya, consecrated in July 2009, is recognized by the archbishop of Canterbury as the legitimate Anglican leader in the region.

Gandiya, who could not be reached for comment regarding the Supreme Court action, issued a letter April 28 saying the police repression of Anglicans in and around Harare had intensified in recent weeks and that police were "openly telling our people to attend Dr. Kunonga's services only and continue to prohibit them from worshipping in their churches."

A Zimbabwe Republic Police operational order, seen by ENS, instructs its officers to "ensure that only one church [service] is conducted and being led by the Kunonga faction" and to be on standby for "reaction purposes."

Episcopal News Service
Matthew Davies is editor and international correspondent of the Episcopal News Service.