While many Christian denominations are commemorating Easter holidays, aggrieved Roman Catholic Church Diocese members in Rustenburg, North West, are gathering at Phokeng St Joseph Church demanding that one of their bishops and some of the priests be removed.

The police escorted the bishop to safety on Wednesday after angry church members confronted him at St. Peter’s Church in Tlhabane. They claim that he is abusing his power and misusing the church funds.

One of the church members Realeboga Phitlho says they had to act after the bishop fired some of the church priests for speaking against him.

Phitlho says there are priests who are told to leave their diocese with immediate effect by their bishop, and that some churches are being closed.

Phitlho further emphasises that there is a lot that is happening in their diocese that people are not happy with.

“There’s a lot of unfairness going on and a lot of priests who are doing things that are not supposed to do according to the catholic faith. So, the people are tired and what the people want is for Bishop Mphiwa, Vicar General Kenny Moteane, and Father Wilfred to leave our diocese with immediate effect,” says Phitlho.

Video | St Joseph’s Church congregants rally against bishop over alleged power abuse: