Lightning strike sparks church debate

23 January 2017 - 11:44
By Lulamile Feni
Lightning, Strike - Industrial Action, Nature, Igniting, Bolt Picture Credit: iStock Image
Lightning, Strike - Industrial Action, Nature, Igniting, Bolt Picture Credit: iStock Image

The lightning bolt which crashed into a Tsomo church last Sunday‚ killing four congregants‚ has triggered a robust debate among villagers on how to “cleanse” the site.

The lightning‚ which struck the United Methodist Church of Southern Africa’s Luzuko Society church hall at KuNgceza village near Tsomo‚ also injured many‚ four of them seriously.

The lightning hit shortly after the new Tsomo circuit superintendent‚ the Rev Zanoxolo Ngcephe‚ delivered his first covenant service in the new hall.

Some of the congregants called for an African ritual which include bringing traditional healers to the church to perform a cleansing ritual at the church hall and treat those affected.

They want a traditional healer to apply muti where the lightning struck and treat those who were present when the chaos broke out.

Others want Christian prayers‚ or holy oil to be smeared and sprinkled and for incense to be burned.

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