Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
THE World Council of Churches (WCC) has pledged to continue engaging Zimbabwe on key development and governance issues after its General Secretary, Reverend Andrew Pillay, held talks with President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Thursday.
The discussions focused on climate change, youth unemployment, gender justice, constitutional reforms and the reintegration of Zimbabweans returning home, reflecting what Reverend Pillay described as the WCC’s continued commitment to working with Zimbabwe through the Zimbabwe Council of Churches.
“The World Council of Churches has worked with many countries, and we have been working with Zimbabwe, and we have been working quite intentionally with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches,” Reverend Pillay said after the meeting.
“Having met with the church leaders in Zimbabwe, I have had the opportunity to meet with the President and to share some of the thoughts that are in the minds of the leaders and people.”
He said the discussions covered both domestic and global challenges.
“We have discussed global issues, in terms of climate change. We have talked about youth and unemployment,” he said.
Gender justice also featured prominently during the engagement, with Reverend Pillay acknowledging Zimbabwe’s efforts to improve gender equality.
“We have also talked about issues of gender justice and the impact on women, and they shared with us their work in that area. We feel quite comfortable to know that they are doing sufficient work in that area itself,” he said.
The meeting also touched on Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, with Reverend Pillay saying the discussions centred on promoting constructive engagement.
“We have talked about the amendment bill in terms of the constitution. We have had some discussions on that issue, and how we can work together to advance that in the country in terms of a positive spirit, of bringing people aboard,” he said.
The reintegration of Zimbabweans returning home was another key issue raised during the meeting.
“We highlighted the need to support the reintegration of those returning home. The President assured us that Government is fully seized with the matter and is doing everything possible to ensure they are welcomed back and successfully reintegrated into society,” Reverend Pillay said.
He added that President Mnangagwa stressed Zimbabwe’s commitment to its citizens abroad.
“The President reiterated that Zimbabwe remains home for all its citizens wherever they may have been, and Government is committed to ensuring that those who return are assisted to rebuild their lives,” he said.
Reverend Pillay was accompanied by leaders from various denominations under the Zimbabwe Council of Churches.
The WCC represents more than 350 churches worldwide, including Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Dutch Reformed churches. The engagement reflected ongoing cooperation between Government and faith-based organisations on national development, social cohesion and community welfare.
