HARARE - After being ordered by the Supreme Court to let go of Anglican Church properties, it is clear that disgraced “bishop” Nolbert Kunonga is wont to disrupt this established brand and church through his wanton actions.

As we report today, the defrocked pastor continues to use thuggish tactics — synonymous with his Zanu PF masters and party — to destabilise the otherwise respected church.

After his barbaric threats to journalists on Wednesday morning, a “gun-totting” Kunonga allegedly sent in a group of hoodlums to further disrupt proceedings and church business at the usually serene building.

This development is not only sad and abominable, but a true reflection of President Robert Mugabe’s party ethos and culture.

Just like Mbare-based vigilante group Chipangano, it is extremely puzzling that Kunonga seems to have the support and encouragement of police in this madness, and reign of terror that has also sucked in its ecumenical head Bishop Rowan Williams.

While the irrepressible Zanu PF zealot has been supporting Mugabe and the ex-majority party by taking anti-gay stance, this depressing episode comes at the backdrop of worrying disclosures that Kunonga has been working with Zimbabwe’s state security apparatus over the church’s everyday business.

A case in point is what is contained in a Church of the Province of Central Africa dossier about goings-Gender-Based Violence on in the church.

As if it’s his God-given right alone to run or lead the Anglican Church, this disgraced bishop has used terror and crude tactics that have left the Christian community and general public shell-shocked.

On another note, the sheer brutality and force displayed by this errant man is just staggering, and unbefitting of a man of the cloth — as it is unnecessary.

To illustrate the unholy alliance that seemed to exist between Kunonga and his state security allies, Augustine Chihuri’s men are said to have been roped in to assist Kunonga and delegitimise Chad Gandiya’s group.

Further evidence of this collusion is contained in an October 30, 2008 letter to the Police commissioner-general and in which the hawkish bishop not only expresses gratitude about police help, but also “brags” about his takeover scheme.

“We applaud the assistance we are getting from the police. We could have been dragged into chaos, but the police were available to silence the Gandiya faction movement at stations like Highfield St Paul,” he wrote.

And as this sickening saga continues, we call on this high-minded Zanu PF supporter to give his distressed flock a chance for the sake of our faith – Christianity! - Staff Writer