Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
VICE President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Mohadi has called on churches to continue building and the attainment of Vision 2030.
This comes as hundreds of congregants braved the winter chill to attend the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) National Churches Conference held in Bulawayo this Saturday.
Officiating at the event, the Vice President said the successful implementation of Vision 2030 requires the participation of all sectors of society, including the church.
“Zimbabwe’s national development agenda is guided by Vision 2030. The implementation of this vision is guided by NDS2, which places people at the centre of development. The successful realisation of that vision requires everyone on board, including the church,” he said.
Drawing from the Book of Matthew, Vice President Mohadi described the church as a beacon of hope and moral guidance, saying it plays a vital role in nurturing responsible citizens who contribute positively to national development.
“The church is the light of the world. The church nurtures responsible citizens upon whom national development depends.”
Organisers of the conference said the gathering was aimed at strengthening the church’s role in promoting peace, national unity and support for development programmes being spearheaded by the Second Republic.
“The Convention is a representation of the heart of indigenous churches that Zimbabwe should be protected through peace. Our calling as church leaders is to pray for peace and remind the nation that where God is honoured, there is unlimited prosperity,” Patron of the Zimbabwe Indigenous Inter-Denominational Council of Churches, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi noted.
“As the nation is seized with the legislation that will drive development and prosperity in our country, we felt that this is an important time for us to remain united as a nation,” Chairperson of the ZIICC, Reverend Andrew Wutawunashe said.
Traditional leaders and congregants who attended the conference described the church as a key partner in promoting social cohesion and national development.
“We cannot achieve development alone without the help of the creator, so it is important for us as a nation to come together like this and ask the creator and our ancestors to guide us in this national exercise we are undertaking,” Chief Mtshane Khumalo said.
“We cannot achieve economic progress if we are not united; unity is the answer to everything. A flourishing economy is good for the nation; it is our hope that our prayers will give birth to a prosperous nation,” a congregant concurred.
The National Churches Conference also featured performances by various gospel praise groups and the Zion Christian Church Brass Band, adding colour and inspiration to the gathering.
