UNITED Family International Church leader Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa has stripped his brother, Tawanda, of his role as a pastor after he divorced his wife.
Pastor Tawanda Makandiwa announced last October that he was divorcing his wife of five years, Lovejoy Choto, citing what he described as her “suicidal tendencies causing great embarrassment”.
On Sunday, Prophet Makandiwa said his brother had struck a blow against the marriage institution and was now unsuitable for a role as pastor in his fast-growing church.
“I cannot condone such behavior and then come on the pulpit and encourage couples to stay married or give an altar call for singles who intend to get married,” Makandiwa said.
“My brother is now an ordinary member and might even find himself sitting in the overflow tent.”
Prophet Makandiwa said he had offered his young brother extensive counseling and had even flown the couple to London where they received further counseling from Prophet Victor Boateng, who is the spiritual father to the Makandiwas, without success.
The young Makandiwa offered to pay his wife maintenance of $200 per month and rent of US$500 while trying to push the divorce. He also offered her all movable property they acquired during their marriage, but had claimed custody of their children aged four and two.
Lovejoy has not yet responded to Pastor Makandiwa’s summons and his lawyers have since asked a magistrate to grant the dissolution unopposed.