Story by Peter Chivhima
THE partnership between the Church and Government has been identified as critical in promoting community development, peace and national unity.
This emerged during the official opening and Legacy Big Sunday celebrations for ZAOGA Forward in Faith Ministries International Southlea Park Provincial branch in Harare.
Speaking at the event, the church’s leader, Archbishop Dr Joseph Joe Guti, emphasised the importance of prayer in fostering unity and stability within the country.
“It is important that we pray for the nation so that unity may prevail. Where there is unity, people cannot be divided. Let us continue to work in unity. Coming to our church, we will continue to work in unity and open new branches,” he said.
Archbishop Guti also highlighted the role of the Church in addressing social challenges, particularly drug and substance abuse, which continues to affect communities across the country.
“As ZAOGA, we are implementing a number of programmes that address the issue of drug and substance abuse. We also have rehabilitation centres for those affected by drug and substance abuse. We therefore expect this branch to play a critical role in safeguarding the community against this scourge,” he said.
Southlea Park Provincial Overseer, Pastor Samson Foya, said the opening of the branch marks an important milestone for the church and the wider community.
“We are happy that this branch has been officially opened. We are also pleased that our Archbishop spoke about unity and the need to work together to fight against the scourge of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
The event comes at a time when churches and Government continue to complement each other in community development initiatives, including the construction of schools, clinics and other social infrastructure aimed at improving the welfare of citizens.
