Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) paid a pastoral visit to President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Wednesday, where they offered prayers for wisdom, peace and prosperity for the nation.
The delegation, comprising the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe and Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe, said the visit formed part of ongoing engagements with national leadership focused on spiritual support and national wellbeing.
Speaking after the meeting, ZHOCD representative Bishop Ignatius Makumbe said the visit was strictly pastoral in nature.
“Our visit is solely pastoral. When we talk of a pastoral visit, we are simply coming to pray with the President for wisdom and for prosperity in our nation, Zimbabwe,” he said.
Bishop Makumbe said the church continues to play a significant role in national development through its contribution to education, healthcare and spiritual guidance.
“For any development to take place, people must be spiritually grounded and hopeful about the future. That hope motivates them to work towards a better tomorrow, and that is part of our responsibility as the church,” he said.
Faith-based organisations remain key partners in Zimbabwe’s development efforts, complementing Government programmes through the provision of social services, including schools, clinics and hospitals.
President Mnangagwa has consistently acknowledged the contribution of churches and other faith-based organisations to nation-building, social cohesion and socio-economic development.
The visit forms part of ongoing engagements between church leaders and the Head of State and Government on matters relating to national development, community welfare and the country’s future.
