By: Domingo Dargbeh
A normal worship service at the Winners’ Chapel International Branch in Fiamah was abruptly disrupted, as tensions escalated over an alleged leadership change and claims of financial mismanagement. The atmosphere was fraught with unrest, prompting a heavy police presence to ensure the safety of congregants and nearby residents.
The distress within the church community stems from the recent appointment of a new pastor, a Sierra Leonean national, whose arrival has been met with fierce resistance from former church leaders.
According to a group of protesting members, many of whom previously held key administrative roles, their removal was executed unlawfully and without proper justification.
They argued that the process lacked transparency and violated established protocols. “We were blindsided by the sudden changes and the way they were handled. It feels like a coup within our own church,” said one of the disgruntled former leaders, who requested to remain anonymous.
The group has rallied to demand not only their reinstatement but also a thorough financial report to address growing concerns about the management of church funds. The financial allegations brought forth by the protesting members suggest a lack of accountability in the handling of church finances, leading to calls for greater transparency from the current leadership.
“We want to ensure that the resources meant for the church community are being properly managed and utilized. The congregation deserves to know how their contributions are being spent,” another protestor asserted. As the protests unfolded, police officers were strategically positioned around the church compound to maintain order and mitigate any potential violence.
Their presence was deemed necessary amid fears that tensions could escalate further. As of this report, the newly assigned pastor has not released any public statement addressing the allegations or the ongoing unrest. The situation remains fluid, with church members divided over loyalty to the new leadership versus calls for reinstatement of the former team.