A CITAM Karen congregant has accused two church elders of allegedly skipping their row during Holy Communion after a neighbourhood disagreement over parking.
The allegation may appear small at first, but it raises a bigger question about the character of people entrusted with spiritual leadership inside the church.
According to the source, the couple involved are elderly neighbours who serve as church elders at CITAM Karen.
The complainant says the dispute began last year when a guest of the couple allegedly parked in front of their gate, blocking access to their home.
After returning from work, the complainant says they politely requested through estate security that the vehicle be moved.
Instead, the elderly couple allegedly insulted the watchmen, and the matter escalated until the estate chairperson was called.
The source said:
“Once upon a time last year we had a tiff about parking space. They had a guest who had parked right in front of my gate. When we came from work, I could not access my house to park the car. We politely requested the couple through the estate security to have their guest move their car to their gate. Wueh! The couple insulted the watchmen.”
According to the source, the matter did not end in the estate.
The following Sunday happened to be the first Sunday of the month, when CITAM assemblies normally partake in Holy Communion. Communion is usually served by clergy, deacons and church elders.
The complainant claims that the same neighbouring elders were serving on their aisle.
They allegedly skipped the complainant’s row.
The source said:
“As fate would have it, my neighbours were serving on our aisle. Can you believe it when I tell you that they skipped my row? So we had to request for the pastors to serve us.”
If true, this is a serious abuse of sacred responsibility.
Holy Communion is not supposed to be used as a tool of personal revenge, silent punishment or emotional blackmail. Elders are expected to rise above petty conflicts, not carry estate grudges into church service.
The complainant asked:
“Where is the integrity of these people that are appointed, nominated or elected as elders and deacons?”
That is the question CITAM Karen must answer.
Because when church elders allegedly import personal fights into spiritual duties, the problem is no longer just doctrine. It is leadership character.