A faction of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Bangwe has refused to disband despite being dissolved by the South Malawi Conference. Speaking at a news briefing in Blantyre today, the group accused the SDA leadership of spreading falsehoods and deviating from scriptural principles.

Elder Patrick Raphael, a leader of the dissenting faction, claimed the group is being accused of rejecting the new church logo, which replaces the traditional depiction of three angels, and opposing the practice of women preaching to congregations.

“We are advocating for principles that are rooted in scripture,” Elder Raphael asserted. “When we questioned why the three angels were removed from the logo, they told us the angels are still there but are flying at supersonic speed, making them invisible to the naked eye.”

The SDA authorities have yet to comment on the faction’s claims. However, they previously stated that the dissolution was due to the congregation’s departure from the church’s established doctrine.

The dispute highlights growing tensions within the church over changes in traditions and governance.