BHEKIBANDLA, KHANYAKWEZWE MUST FORM OWN CHURCHES - KING

His Majesty the King addressing church leaders and priests at Engabezweni Royal Residence yesterday. (Pics: Sabelo Mazibuko)

ENGABEZWENI – His Majesty King Mswati III has ruled that the sons of the founder of the Jericho Church, Melika Sigadlasenyama Vilakati must, from now onwards, establish separate churches that they will lead.

Making the pronouncement, which effectively brings to an end the stand-off between the factions led by Bishops Bhekibandla and Khanyakwezwe Vilakati, His Majesty yesterday told a gathering of church leaders and priests at Engabezweni Royal Residence that the two churches to be led by the siblings will coexist under the Jericho name.

They have been ordered to also create badges that will represent and differentiate the two churches. His Majesty, advising the men of the cloth, emphasised that the brothers had to love each other and promote peace among their congregants. It was also emphasised that the newly-established churches should keep the original Jericho gowns.
His Majesty pointed to the fact that the dispute had been allowed to go on for extended periods and it was time it was solved for the good and peace of the church.

The King, in jest, said the siblings had to develop a healthy relationship to the extent that they would be free to ask or discuss how one was doing in his particular church.
He warned that violence should not be part of issues of faith, hence senior priests who were dealing with the matter have, therefore, seen it appropriate that the two should establish their own churches for the sake of peace.

“Since the churches have long separated, even when attending church services they have gone separate ways; we, therefore, consider that they should establish their own churches. There is no problem in that because even the Zion sects have various churches but they are the same. It will be the same with the Jericho sects,” said the King.

“Now that the matter has been discussed and finally concluded, I now approve the decision,” said the King. His blessing of the matter was followed by a large round of applause and reciting of His praises and whistling.

His Majesty said the Easter services were a success and wished the congregants a successful journey home. He said the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ services have always been celebrated in the country back in the days of past kings and, therefore, the celebrations shall continue. The King said the Easter services have always been given first priority. He said the culture of following these celebrations should always be considered.

Addressing the priests and church leaders at the same event, Prince Simelane reiterated that the team tasked with solving the issue of the two resolved that they should continue leading their factions.

Brothers barred from father’s church

ENGABEZWENI – The President of the League of Churches, Bishop Samson Hlatjwako, said the two Jericho sects will now leave their father’s church to establish their own churches.

Hlatjwako said they would also have their own badges. However, he said Bishops Bheki-bandla and Khanyakwezwe would continue to dress in the church gowns they are currently using.  “This is an order and as of now, they should abide by it. They will no longer use their father’s church but will have to establish their own. This matter has dragged for so long and we are happy now that the matter has finally been finalised,” said Hlatjwako.

The bishop said Khanyakwezwe’s church was currently at Manganganeni while that of his brother was at Mankayane.
He said the main church which was used by their late father Melika was at Ngcoseni and was also used by Khanyakwezwe. “As of now, no one shall use the church. They will both establish theirs and their father’s church will be closed. That is an order and no one shall overrule it,” Hlatjwako said.

Khanyakwezwe happy

ENGABEZWENI – Bishop Khanyakwezwe Vilakati has welcomed His Majesty’s decision that they should go separate ways and continue leading their factions.

The bishop said there was nothing much he could say but accept His Majesty’s final words. “I am happy with the decision because it shows it was meant to be this way and I can only welcome it. With the issue of not using the church, I cannot comment much on that. I am yet to engage church members and discuss the matter. But everyone and church members are happy with the decision,” he said.

Bishop Khanyakwezwe said he hoped the church would go a long way together now that a final decision had been made. He said he had not met his brother after the decision was pronounced to them.

We won’t change   name - Bhekibandla

ENGABEZWENI – Bishop Bhekibandla has said no one shall use the church of their late father as it has been made clear that they should establish their own churches.

The bishop said he welcomed His Majesty’s final words and there was nothing much he could say.
“I appreciate that with both hands and respect His Majesty’s decision. We have always respected my father’s church, hence we left to establish ours in Mankayane,” he said.

The bishop said everyone should start afresh for the sake of peace. He said his church and that of his brother would operate under the name Jericho Church in Zion. He hinted that they will continue using similar names.

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