Bishop Chad Gandiya has forbidden members of his Church of the Province of Central Africa Anglican Diocese of Harare from using altars in the church buildings previously occupied by Bishop Nolbert Kunonga's side until a cleansing ceremony has been conducted. Anglican Harare Diocese spokesperson Mr Precious Shumba yesterday said their leader, Bishop Gandiya, had authorised members to occupy the rectories and take charge of the buildings and leave out the altars.

"The Bishop has decreed that no one should use the altars in the churches until the cleansing ceremonies have been done. But members can occupy the rectories and take charge of their buildings," said Mr Shumba.

He said the cleansing ceremony would be held on December 16.

"On December 16, all Anglicans will gather at the Africa Unity Square to mark our victory, and mark the beginning of the phase of rebuilding the Anglican Diocese of Harare.

"Anglicans will move into the cathedral carrying the Bishop's throne and a lot of cleansing will take place.

"Enough incense has been made available to do the cleansing of the churches," he said.

Mr Shumba said the judgment gave them the right to occupy premises immediately, adding that priests aligned to Kunonga had started packing and gave examples of those in Mabelreign and Avondale parishes in Harare.

He encouraged members to ensure that the Kunonga-aligned priests leave all the church property and said legal proceedings would be instituted against defaulters.

"We want to make sure that every property is accounted for," he said.