Gay Exorcisms: ZAOGA Touches Raw Nerve in Scotland
The ZAOGA Forward In Faith Church International Incorporated (FIFCII), a Zimbabwean Pentecostal church widely criticized for endorsing “gay exorcism” as a form of conversion therapy and promoting beliefs in witchcraft in Scotland, according to Aberdeen Live.
This move has drawn sharp criticism from activists who accuse the church of fostering “vicious homophobia and misogyny.”
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As Scotland progresses toward outlawing conversion therapy that targets individuals based on gender identity or sexual orientation, FIFCII has managed to secure approval from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
This approval comes despite the church’s controversial practices and teachings, which have alarmed human rights groups and secular organizations.
Gay Exorcisms: ZAOGA Touches Raw Nerve in Scotland
ZAOGA church is known for its beliefs in witchcraft and its doctrine that women must be sexually available to their husbands on demand. Ministers within the church often claim to perform miracles, including healing the disabled and curing diseases during large evangelical events.
The church’s activities in Scotland have sparked serious concerns from the National Secular Society (NSS).
Alejandro Sanchez, an NSS spokesperson on human rights criticized OSCR for granting the church charitable status, arguing that religious groups should not be allowed to promote harmful practices under the guise of charitable work.
He said: “This organization promotes vicious homophobia and misogyny, and may well be endangering lives with reckless allegations of witchcraft.”
ZAOGA FIFCII’s website openly discusses exorcisms aimed at expelling “homosexual spirits,” and church leaders have shared accounts of supposed “miracles” performed at various events.
Calls for tighter regulation and scrutiny of religious organizations in Scotland are intensifying.
