Bishop Kunonga is a devil's angel says Biti

FINANCE minister Tendai Biti has weighed in on the Anglican saga, describing excommunicated Harare Bishop Nolbert Kunonga as the "devil's angel".

Speaking to journalists at Kamfinsa Shopping Centre after informally meeting residents from his Harare East constituency, Biti said he was particularly hurt by the Anglican saga because he grew up in the church and it had always been peaceful. He said Kunonga has hounded congregants out of churches they used in the past as the feud between him and the Church of the Province of Central Africa (CPCA) continued.

"He is also lying that he is a bishop. He is nothing but the devil's incarnate. Kunonga has said if we build churches in Anglican's name, he will take them over. He is lying. He is not Anglican and he does not own the name Anglican," said Biti.

Biti said the Anglican church was formed in 1534 by King Henry VIII, centuries before Kunonga's great great grandfather was even born. Biti said CPCA members, together with other people from his constituency would soon benefit from a community hall he intends to build in the Athlone area as part of projects under the Constituency Development Fund.

He said the City of Harare had already allocated two hectares of land for the hall which would be built in partnership with donors and the corporate world. "We intend to have the hall, a tennis court and a swimming pool among other structures on the piece of land and everyone will be free to use it," said Biti who has so far used US$31,000 from the CDF funds he was allocated for community projects.

"Those without churches, including Anglicans, will be free to use the hall to hold their services."

Kunonga, who has since formed his own Anglican province of Zimbabwe and declared himself Archbishop, could not be reached for comment yesterday. He however told The Standard two months ago that he would no longer entertain questions about the Anglican church.

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