SOMIZI STORMS OUT OF CHURCH ...AS PASTOR BASHES GAYS
“… I don’t care what the Bible says, I know the relationship I have with God”
SOUTH Africa’s Idols judge and radio presenter Somizi Mhlongo has slammed a pastor who referred to homosexuality as a “sin”.
Somgaga, as he is popularly known, stormed out of a church service recently at Grace Bible Church in Soweto, Johannesburg, after a guest pastor from Uganda criticised homosexuality.
The peeved choreographer and musician vented his anger on Instagram, where he posted two videos, in which he told viewers he stormed out because he could not take it anymore.
Mhlongo further pleaded with churches, especially Grace Bible Church, where he had been a member for 25 years, to “spell it out loud if gays were not welcomed”. He appealed to Bishop Mosa Sono to state the facts clearly.
“They must say it if being gay was a sin and that gays were not allowed. Because I go to church to speak to my God, whom I believe accepts me for who I am. The God who created me the way that I am loves me.” Mhlongo declared he was gay and proud of it. “I’m a gay man and this is who I am. I will remain gay for the rest of my life.”
When Sowetan spoke to Mhlongo he said what annoyed him was the arrogance of the pastor, who was said to be preaching against homosexuality for the second time.
“The sermon was about how the soul is important and I don’t know how he jumped from that to homosexuality. When he started to talk about how even male dogs do not practise it, I just walked out because I was offended.”
Mhlongo added he was disappointed Sono and other congregants were cheering the pastor on.
“I don’t understand why people behave as if they have never seen gays or do not have brothers who are gay. I know I am not the only gay. I don’t care what the Bible says, I know the relationship I have with God.”
Grace Bible Church spokesman Ezekial Mathole confirmed the incident and said everyone was welcome in their church, including homosexuals.
Mathole said: “The sermon was not about homosexuality but about the value of the soul. Sermons often offend people.” — Sowetan A NEW drama television series — Dancing in the storm — that could possibly redeem Bulawayo’s status as the artistic hub of Zimbabwe is set to premiere on DStv’s Zambezi Magic Television.
The 13-part series, a joint effort by South Africa’s Reality Motion pictures and Zimbabwe’s Creative Pot Africa features a star-studded cast which includes talk show host Arthur Evans, radio personality Donna Ncube, musician Mzoe 7 and model and fashionista Ben Chest.
The plot revolves around Patrick Moyo, a successful businessman married to his high school sweetheart Agnes. The two have two children together. Although Moyo seems like the perfect family man, he has a major flaw — his weakness for beautiful women, particularly one Melody Tendeka. This becomes the central conflict of the series as it unfolds. False prophecy, marital squabbles and day-to-day struggles of unemployment and women empowerment are all thrown into the mix as twists to the complex plot.
Speaking to Sunday Life, Collin Ncube, the series’ casting director described Dancing in the storm as; “A drama that unfolds in Bulawayo, showing that both the rich and the poor have problems. The series shows that it is never easy for those trying to hustle to survive. The chase of wealth and riches brings happiness to families but to some it brings irresponsibility.”
Bulawayo audiences will particularly enjoy the series as it features places that they are well acquainted with. There are scenes shot at Horizon restaurant and pub, Harris Lodge, White Orchid Salon, Poly Clinic and Nketa 7.
“After Dancing in the storm Reality Motion Pictures in collaboration with Creative Pot Africa is set to produce another series titled Choices which will be set in Harare. Also from Creative Pot pictures watch out for a series set in Bulawayo titled Dlala Ngamla coming soon. The trailer video is already out on YouTube. More productions from Creative Pot are also on the pipeline including but not limited to music videos. You may like the Facebook pages “Dancing in the Storm”, “Choices” and “Creative pot pictures” for more updates,” he said.
Bulawayo film and television practitioners have been hard at work since Zambezi magic called for content late last year and Dancing in the storm is just one of many projects vying for a slot on the DStv channel. @