Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE Zion and Apostolic Churches Council of Zimbabwe held a national prayer in Kadoma where it reaffirmed the Church’s role in addressing prevailing social vices in communities.
The National Prayer brought together congregants from across the province to intercede for the country’s peace, development, and social cohesion.
Church leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to tackling social vices such as drug and substance abuse, while calling for deeper partnerships with government structures.
“As a church, which is made up of more than 100 indigenous denominations, we are not just spiritual shepherds, we are also moral guardians of society. Drug abuse is tearing families apart and robbing our nation of a productive generation. We must rise to fight it,” Zion and Apostolic Churches Council of Zimbabwe Bishop, Edman Moyo said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West, Honourable Marian Chombo, applauded the Church’s social consciousness.
“The Church is a key pillar in shaping values and restoring community morality. The government cannot do it alone. We must work hand in hand to fight social ills and promote national unity,” she noted.
Meanwhile, ZANU PF Kadoma District Coordinating Committee chairperson, Dr Langton Mabhanga, implored the church to embrace empowerment opportunities being availed by both the government and the ruling party.
“We are inviting the church to join in the economic emancipation drive being ushered in by the Second Republic. We are also calling the Church to contribute economically and be empowered by tapping into the various economic opportunities around them,” he added.
As the prayers echoed through the gathering, the message was clear that faith-based organisations have a critical role to play in addressing both spiritual and societal challenges facing the nation.
