Pictures and Story by Ranganai Tinashe Dzotizei
History was made as the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area welcomed home its new Episcopal leader Bishop Gift Machinga, Amai Dr Mazvita, and daughter Sussana Machinga after his election and consecration at the Africa Central Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa.
On a sun-drenched Monday afternoon in the capital, the United Methodist Church showed up and showed off in majestic style from the time Bishop Machinga and his predecessor Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa touched down at the Robert Mugabe International Airport just before lunchtime.
The airport terminal was electric, with United Methodists breaking out in song as the Bishops arrived and were whisked away in dedicated vehicles to the scene of their official welcome: Cranborne United Methodist Church.
The circuit holds symbolic significance for Bishop Machinga, who was the pastor in Charge for a staggering eight years from 2015 to 2022.
He returned to the familiar holy plains as a Bishop to a raucous welcome from ecstatic members who had started arriving at the church as early as 10 am for the big arrival.
The reception saw speeches from both Bishop Nhiwatiwa and Bishop Machinga as they urged unity within the church as it charts a new path in its fabled 128 year history.
Bishop Machinga is Zimbabwe’s FOURTH Black Bishop, joining a pantheon of illustrious men including Bishops Abel Tendekai Muzorewa, Christopher Jokomo and Eben Nhiwatiwa to lead the Zimbabwean Episcopacy.
The passing of the gavel, a significant event that heralds the passing of the torch, will be held on the 30th of March 2025