Sabelo Mlangeni meets a member of the congregation at a bus stop in the Malvern Suburb of Joburg and walks the 3 blocks up the street to the church with her on Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
Sabelo Mlangeni walks past the entrance of the house toward the garage in the back yard where service is held on Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
A member of the church dancing in the opening circle. The dance went on for around 2 hours before the service started. Members would work themselves into a trance like state as a form of praise and prayer, on Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
Male members of the church dance barefoot with staffs, dragging their feet while whistling creating an organic rhythm that complimented the harmony of voices. On Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
Feet of the members of the congregation stomping to the beat of the song. Candles, which were treated with intense reverence were kept lit in the corner of the room throughout the service, on Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
Lonidwe Xaba, the churches seamstress, in the heart of praise, on Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
Sabelo Mlangeni stands to the side and takes part in the service on Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
Members of the Twelve Apostolic Church of Southern Africa - Ekuthuleni dancing in circle at the beginning of service. Much of the dancing and praise is done in honor and celebration of their ancestors and cultural roots. On Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
The women members of the congregation singing and carrying the harmony of the praise songs. The room was divided, men on one side, women on the other. The Church of Zion is often categorized as carrying hints of tribal patriarchy. On Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
Sabelo Mlangeni dancing and taking part in the service on Sunday. While fully engaged, Mlangeni was present but thoughtful, as if he was viewing the church through a lens, asking questions that came to his mind. June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
The feet of a pastor kneeling in prayer. Following the Sermons, the congregation faced the walls, away from each-other, and knelt in a time of prayer. On Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
The staffs of the three pastor's sitting at the front of the room. Each pastor is bowing his head in prayer. On Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
The congregation kneels in prayer together, this time facing each other in circle. On Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
Members resume ceremonial dancing after the sermons to close the service. The dancing is a form of praise but also represents a respect toward ancestors and tribal roots. On Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
A female member of the church kneeling to receive a blessing from a male member of the church. A group of men dance around in circle. Within the church only men are allowed to bless the women. On Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
A roll of 35mm film tattooed on the right hand of Sabelo Mlangeni. On Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.
Sabelo Mlangeni poses for a photo after the service in the house which hosted the service. On Sunday, June 10, in Johannesburg, ZA. Photo: Wes Parnell.