Clutching worn hymnals, the faithful of ZCC Phase 2 in Gaborone once faced a heartbreaking pilgrimage. They journeyed south, hearts full of hope, towards Moria, the spiritual heart of the Zion Christian Church. This annual pilgrimage, a cornerstone of ZCC life, held immense significance. For many, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a chance to connect with their faith on sacred ground. But in 2017, the pilgrims from ZCC Phase 2 encountered an unexpected obstacle. At Moria’s Welcome Gate, they were turned away. Their letters of credence, usually their passport to worship, were rejected. Church officials, flanked by security, escorted them from the holy city. The reason for this expulsion stemmed from a bitter internal conflict within the ZCC. The Gaborone branches, Phase 2 and Extension 14, were embroiled in a dispute over a proposed merger. Three pastors from ZCC Phase 2 actively resisted this merger, defying orders from the church headquarters in Moria. This defiance, coupled with accusations of preaching anti-merger sentiments, led to their suspension. Their actions, perceived as a challenge to Bishop Lekganyane’s authority, had repercussions for the entire Phase 2 congregation. Their pilgrimage, a deeply personal and spiritual journey, became a casualty of this internal struggle. This incident highlighted the growing tensions within the ZCC, a church grappling with internal divisions and the struggle to maintain unity. The expulsion of ZCC Phase 2 from Moria served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the church and the delicate balance between tradition and change.
Matebeleng
What is the story behind a name? Just 20 kilometers northeast of the bustling city of Gaborone lies the quaint