The Forward In Faith Church International Incorporated (FIFCII), also known as Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA), is facing resistance to its expansion in Scotland in the United Kingdom due to some of the church’s practices, including “gay exorcism” which have come under the microscope.
Originating from Zimbabwe in 1960 and named ZAOGA by founder “Apostle” Ezekiel Guti, the church boasts a significant following in the UK and now looks to expand further due to the ever-growing Zimbabwean diaspora in Scotland.
According to Scotland’s Daily Record, FIFCII has secured approval from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), to expand its operations in major cities including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, having already purchased property in Edinburgh designated as their Scottish headquarters.
However, these plans have been met by resistance from activists who believe that endorsement of “gay exorcism” as conversion therapy and belief in witchcraft is at odds with Scottish values.
This comes as Scotland actively moves towards outlawing conversion therapy that interferes with a person’s gender identity or sexual preferences.
National Secular Society (NSS) spokesperson on human rights Alejandro Sanchez said that the organisation was concerned by the church’s activities.
“This organisation promotes vicious homophobia and misogyny, and may well be endangering lives with reckless allegations of witchcraft. Any suggestion it is acting in the public benefit and worthy of charitable status is absurd.
“We know from experience OSCR has been either unable or unwilling to take action against religious charities that foster intolerance and extreme views. It is now time legislators urgently review ‘the advancement of religion’ as a charitable purpose.
“It must not be used as a back door for religious groups to promote conversion therapy and the subjugation of women,” Sanchez said.
In its 2023 report, the church said that it was eager to expand into Scotland because of the increase in the number of Zimbabweans that had come to the country through the work visa programme.
“Scotland has seen a big increase in numbers due to the influx from Zimbabwe through the work visa program. This has benefited us in many ways, not least with tithing but also as many of them were already leaders in Zimbabwe.
“They are eager to do the work of God in their new places of worship.”
It added: “An area calling for attention for church growth is the possibility of new assemblies. We are looking to establish one in Dundee in 2024 and possibly Fife as well, areas which are both to the east between Edinburgh and Aberdeen assemblies.
“Scotland Province might be small in size but mighty in heart and serving a big God.”
