As members of theUnited Methodist Church United Kingdom Mission Area we no longer want Reverend T.K. Mapfeka to continue as the DS for the church here in the UK for a number of pertinent reasons. Firstly, Rev Mapfeka has served for more than two four year terms well above the stipulated time for a DS in the Book of Discipline. Secondly, the church needs to move in a new direction and only a new DS and new regime can provide that. Thirdly, there are issues to do with the way the church has been operating over the last 10 years with some charges going without adequate administrative sittings and elections being delayed without genuine reasons and manipulated where they are held. This does not just affect the operation of the church but it is also in serious contravention of charity law here in the UK and the church risks censure from the regulatory authorities.

A lot of church members have left the church due to frustration and we have had no choice but to petition Bishop Nhiwatiwa as head of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area of the United Methodist Church under which our church falls to recall Rev Mapfeka with immediate effect. Once Rev Mapfeka has been re-called, we would like a new DS appointed from Zimbabwe without any undue delay so that the church can be steered in a much needed new direction.The in-coming DS should be deployed with a clear mandate especially regarding his/her tenure of office so as to avoid overstaying like what has happened with Rev Mapfeka whose services are definitely no longer required here in the UK. While this petition has coincided with the very serious issues and allegations surrounding Rev Mapfeka's personal life that are currently the subject of an on-going investigation by through the of office of the Bishop in collaboration with the Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) and the Chancellor of Conference, it has not necessarily been brought about by the said on-going process, but rather reinforced by the circumstances given the very serious nature of the issues at hand. The on-going controversy around Rev Mapfeka's personal life nevertheless, adds credence to the rationale that has informed the petition process and it is our very impassioned hope that the authorities of our church through all its organs and structures will speedily and justly attend to our grievances as expressed through this petition.

Any member of the the church here in the UK who honestly and independently feels that the church needs a new direction and impetus, and that for the new direction to be realized Rev Mapfeka must be re-called forthwith, please kindly add your voice by signing this petition. Make sure you sign with your actual name to maintain and enhance the integrity of this petition. This petition will be forwarded to the Bishop and other relevant parties as soon as the signing window is closed.

Thank you for your time.

Members of United Methodist Church UK