THE government has granted Archbishop Loveless Matarirano Manhango, the founder of the Bethesda Apostolic Church, a State-assisted funeral in recognition of his contribution to Zimbabwe’s independence, development and spiritual well-being.
He died last week at the age of 104.
Archbishop Manhango has been leading the apostolic faith church since 1952.
In his condolence message yesterday, Acting President Constantino Chiwenga said Manhango “contributed immensely to nation-building before and after independence”.
“The Bethesda Apostolic, a black indigenous church, provided material and spiritual support to liberation war fighters that operated in Chikomba, Buhera and Hwedza areas during our war for liberation,” Chiwenga said.
He said Manhango’s indigenous church's support for the liberation struggle was viewed as an anti-establishment rebellious act by the Rhodesian regime, resulting in his arrest and torture.
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“Today, the church has over 200 000 followers with branches across southern Africa, Australia, China, the UK and the US. At the time of his passing on, Manhango was developing the church headquarters at Chiwiriri into a mission centre,” Chiwenga said.
He applauded Manhango’s philanthropic work, including the Bethesda Education Trust Fund, which assisted over 900 children with scholarships.
Manhango also supported the land reform programme and was a successful beneficiary, contributing to food security through his productive farm at Nyabira.