BishopAccountability.org
	Zimbabwe: Ncube Sparks Outrage allAfrica July 18, 2007 http://allafrica.com/stories/200707180289.html Zimbabweans from all walks of life have roundly condemned Roman Catholic Archbishop for Bulawayo Diocese Pius Ncube for "immoral" behaviour unbecoming of a man of the cloth in the wake of sensational allegations that he had a two-year affair with a married parishioner. The Herald newsroom was yesterday inundated with calls from people demanding the archbishop's immediate resignation, saying failing that the Vatican should relieve him of his duties. A Bulawayo man, Mr Onesimus Sibanda, filed a $20 billion lawsuit against the archbishop at the Bulawayo High Court on Monday accusing him of having an adulterous relationship with his wife, Rosemary, charges that the wife publicly confessed to. Mr Tinozivei Kufa of Mufakose said Archbishop Ncube should resign with immediate effect as he has lost the moral authority to intercede on behalf of his diocese. "Religious leaders are supposed to be the conscience of society, and when they fail to live up to the ideals, they have no business pretending to be holy." The Tehillar Christian Network described the matter as unfortunate given that Archbishop Ncube was a man of the cloth. TCN president Reverend Sam Malunga said the Roman Catholic Church should abandon celibacy and allow its priests to marry. He also said church leaders should refrain from being used by the country's enemies to demonise Government leaders and the nation. The president of the Religious Authority Board, Rev Godwin Mwanza, said that fellow clergymen did not brook the conduct of Archbishop Ncube. "We cannot tolerate such behaviour. Here was a man who was wishing our President dead and is embroiled today in an adulterous scandal. "As a bishop, he should be exemplary not only to Catholics alone, but other aspiring clergymen. "A person like him who indulges in adultery should be excommunicated. He should lead by example. What he did is not expected of a man of God." A fellow clergyman, Rev Jethro Rombwa, said it was unfortunate that a man of the cloth was caught up in this scandal. "Our prayers are with him at this moment. As a man of God, he must repent and work for the good of the nation," he said. A social commentator, Mr Ngugi wa Mirii, said it was unfortunate that Archbishop Ncube did not lead by example. "It is true that he did not live up to his calling. His behaviour was very unfortunate, but let God be the judge," he said. A Christian who refused to be named said that she was not willing to comment on Archbishop Ncube's case as the Bible "clearly tells us not to judge others". "The Bible is very clear about judging others. I will not judge another person because I don't want to be judged. "You cannot measure that this is a bigger sin or a lesser sin. "We should, however, pray for things like these not to happen and pray for those in authority."
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.