RUBAVU - The Association of Churches in Central Africa is diverting from the work of God to addressing friction among members.

The increase in friction and factionalism is undermining the effort to spread the word of God, and this has intensified after receiving US$600 donation from a Good Samaritan.

The leaders of the two antagonistic factions, Pastor Samuel Ndizeye and Reverend Charles Nsengiyumva, both claim leadership of the church.

"When we received this money, Nsengiyumva’s faction started acting strange, trying to rebel against the committee, seeking to steal the money,” Ndizeye claims.

Ndizeye recalls that the problem started way back in 2002, when Nsengiyumva’s faction wanted to topple him.

"The church decided to expel him after exhibiting behaviour that is not tolerable, including physically beating some members of the church during a conference in Kampala,” Ndizeye said.

Rubavu District has recently witnessed numerous violent fights in churches originating from resources which has tainted the church’s image. 

Both sides accuse each other of corruption and selling off church property.

A month ago, the Holiness Church was also entangled in similar fights allegedly over Rwf2 million.

On their  part, Nsengiyumva’s faction also denounces the legitimacy of Ndizeye calling for him to step down.

Nsengiyumva accuses Ndizeye of illegally calling for a general assembly to elect a new committee without the knowledge and consent of the members.

"Ndizeye has a track record of indiscipline. He has been arrested before for similar reasons (misappropriation of resources),” said Nsengiyumva.

The flock is split between the two factions.

Ends