GIVEN an opportunity to study in Britain, you would think priesthood would barely register in the course choices of many Zimbabweans. Think again.
Not one but SEVEN Zimbabweans graduated at one university with degrees in theology last Saturday, New Zimbabwe.com can reveal.
Among them, Joyce Maisiri not only graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies and Theology but picked up the Mattersey Hall Christian College’s best student gong.
Also graduating with BA (Hon) degrees in the class of 2011 were Connie Chimbindi, Chengeto Kerr, Mary Mapfumo, Marjory Tsveture and Gladys Mudada. Washington Chogugudza picked up a Masters in Practical Theology.
The seven graduates constituted by far the largest single African group.
The priests are either already involved with their own churches or are earmarked for religious leadership positions in Zimbabwe and the UK.
Mattersey Hall Christian College, which is located in the English city of Doncaster, was founded in 1919. On its website, it says it is committed to “preparing men and women through an education that is innovative and marked by academic excellence for productive Christian service ...”
Chogugudza, who graduated with a Masters in Theology (MTh), said Mattersey Hall had been associated with Zimbabwean Christians and congregations for many years now.
He added: “It’s remarkable that we had seven people from Zimbabwe graduate at the same college at the same time, but I don’t believe this is being repeated on a similar scale everywhere.
“Trained Zimbabwean priests are still few and their number is just a drop in an ocean compared to Zimbabwean congregations who need committed, competent and well-schooled religious leade