Bishop Washington Rupapa Biography | Profile, Age, Education, Career, Succession Disputes
Bishop Washington Rupapa is a Zimbabwean pastor who was once the Secretary-General of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) Forward in Faith (FIF), a prominent Pentecostal church in the country. He served in this position for more than 20 years, until he was allegedly ousted by a faction within the church that wanted to control the succession of the founder, Ezekiel Guti.
Background and Early Life
Bishop Washington Rupapa was born on July 25, 1959, making him 64 years old in 2023. He studied at Calvary University, AMFCC Bible College, and the Christian College of Southern Africa (CCOSA). He joined the ZAOGA FIF church, which was founded by Ezekiel Guti in 1960. The church has grown to have branches in over 100 countries and claims to have over two million members worldwide. Bishop Washington Rupapa became the Secretary-General of the church, a role that involved overseeing the administration and leadership of the church.
His role in ZAOGA FIF
As the Secretary-General of ZAOGA FIF, Bishop Washington Rupapa was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and strategic decision-making of the church. He was also considered to be Ezekiel Guti’s right-hand man and confidant. He made significant contributions to the church’s growth and development, both locally and internationally. He was also involved in various ministries and projects within the church, such as evangelism, education, health, and social welfare.
Why he was removed from his position
In recent years, ZAOGA FIF has faced internal power struggles, as various factions within the church have emerged, each vying for control in preparation for the future after the late 98-year-old founder, Ezekiel Guti. According to reports, one faction has effectively held Ezekiel Guti hostage, pressuring him to anoint a successor prior to his departure. Guti has allegedly been confined to his Chitungwiza home since January, under the guise of working from there.
Sources suggest that a faction aligned with Guti’s wife has taken control of the church, resulting in the sidelining of individuals previously close to Guti. There have been allegations of properties being transferred without Guti’s knowledge, which ultimately required the intervention of his daughter from his first marriage to rectify.
In this power struggle, Bishop Washington Rupapa, who was regarded as Guti’s right-hand man and served as the Secretary-General for a long period, became a casualty. He was reportedly removed from his position in order to isolate the church’s founder.
The current situation within ZAOGA FIF
The situation within ZAOGA FIF remains tense, and if not effectively addressed, it could potentially lead to a split within the church. Several individuals, including Gracious Chikore, Dorcas Jaricha, and La-Verne Simango/Simukai, have been implicated in the ongoing purges and are playing significant roles in the power struggle.
Also Read:
- Pastor Gilbert Chadyemhunga Biography | Profile, ZAOGA Ministry, Alledged Extra-Marital Affair With Guti’s Daughter, Arrest
- Mbuya VaPiyasoni Biography | Profile, Real Name, Age, Education, Career, Family
- Phineas Parirenyatwa Biography | Pastor, Politician, and Husband of Chie Masiziba
