Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE church has admitted the huge task it faces in fighting social vices like child sexual exploitation and drug and substance abuse.
As several church denominations observed Easter from Thursday, the Jekenishini church service attended by the leadership of the Apostolic Christian Council in Chimanimani this Saturday, saw the council’s president, Archbishop Tobias Zinguzira speaking about the role of the church in fighting social vices.
“As leaders of the churches we discourage early marriages. Let the children finish their education. The churches require educated people. The issue of drugs should be discouraged and we should educate the people against drug abuse,” he said.
The church has also embraced the challenge to participate in the mainstream economy after it recently launched the Manicaland Christian business forum.
The development has been welcomed by Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere who attended Easter services in Chimanimani and Marange this weekend.
“If there is peace and unity, there is a solid foundation for development. A few days ago the churches formed the Manicaland Christian business forum. We are happy with the initiatives by the church to be part of the economic development agenda.
“This is a giant step towards ending poverty and improving the church’s financial status. This is in line with Vision 2030 and we are happy with the stance of the church to promote national development.
“We are going to have national elections, and we have an important role to pray for the country. Their close relationship between the church and the government should see congregants resoundingly voting for the President during the country’s general elections,” she said.
The government values the role of the church in national development, promotion of peace and inculcating good moral values in the country’s citizens, hence continuous engagements.
