This story was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center.

RUWA, ZIMBABWE — United Methodist clergy and laity excitedly greeted Zimbabwe bishop Rev. Gift T. Machinga, welcoming him and his vision for the Southern African nation.

Machinga, elected in March , is expected to continue leading a unified Zimbabwe church. The same can’t be said for other African nations, where confusion and disagreement about legislative changes in the denomination have fractured large portions of congregants.

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