Finally Anglican Church discards womanising priest Luonde The Anglican Church has replaced embattled St Peter’s priest-in-charge in Kitwe Father Richard Luonde, who was locked out by parishioners. Anglican archbishop Albert Chama replaced Fr Luonde with William Chisanga who was vicar-general. Luonde was one of the priests used by Bwinjifumu to fight the opposition but when he landed in trouble, they quickly stopped covering him or his hate statements against the opposition especially Hakainde Hichilema. This follows a month-long feud at the church in Chimwemwe Township involving congregants and Fr Luonde. On June 9, this year some enraged congregants locked the church building, after accusing Fr Luonde of using church funds to finance priest-cum-politician Frank Bwalya. They also alleged that the outspoken clergyman had been engaging in inappropriate conduct with married women. Fr Luonde had since then been missing Sunday services and was the previous Sunday reported to have congregated in Garnetone. A letter authored by Bishop Chama dated July 5, 2013 and addressed to St Peters’ congregation members stated that vicar-general Chisanga had been appointed parish-priest-in-charge. Bishop Chama said in the letter which was read yesterday during Sunday service by acting church warden, Lameck Zimba that following the wrangles and pleas by some members to have the church opened, vicar-general Chisanga had been appointed parish-priest to ensure continuity in church programmes. The bishop, who urged the members to remain steadfast in prayers so that God could talk to them, however made no mention of Fr Luonde. Mr Zimba said the new priest was expected this Sunday. The news was met with jubilation among the congregants who ululated to express their happiness. Efforts to establish the whereabouts of Fr Luonde failed as he was not found both at church and his residence in Chimwemwe. The priest’s mobile-phone was switched off and information obtained revealed he had travelled out of the country. But Fr Luonde’s daughter, who was found at the residence, but did not give her name, said her dad had obtained leave and thus travelled to Luapula Province.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 13:31:06 +0000
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