The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has recently appointed a group of eminent leaders, including the Archbishop Desmond Tutu to solve disputes tearing apart a Church congregation in East Rand.

According to a statement by the SACC, the disputes have become increasingly heated and recently culminated in members destroying property and threatening each other’s lives.

”The SACC can stand by no longer while "the children of God" are at each other's throats, SACC general secretary Molefi Tsele said.

The protracted squabble is now threatening to tear apart the historic St John’s Apostolic Faith Mission Church whose national headquarters is in Katlehong on the East Rand. The Church, which was formed in 1914 by Mother Christina Nku, experienced its first split in 1970 following the appointment of Archbishop Petrus Masango as president.
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The SACC remain confident that the dispute can be resolved peacefully.

"We believe it is something that can be resolved," Tsele declared, "We have every confidence in Archbishop Tutu and his team.”

The Archbishop is leading a team which includes Mrs Adelaide Tambo and former South African Council of Churches president Dr Khoza Mgojo.

“Tutu led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process with distinction, and we believe that he and his team will help broker peace among the warring factions."

A reconciliation indaba has already been scheduled for Tuesday in Johannesburg.