Story by Margaret Matibiri
THE Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence at the Second Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Interfaith Dialogue currently underway in Rome, Italy.
The conference, which officially opened on June 19, brings together parliamentary leaders, religious figures, civil society representatives, and international organisations under the theme “Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future.”
Advocate Mudenda joined fellow global leaders in discussing how to counter hatred and division based on religion or belief. In his address, he urged participants to embrace diverse perspectives and protect the right to religious freedom as a cornerstone of peace and social progress.
“We must defend people’s right to express beliefs, even when they differ from our own. That’s the foundation of tolerance and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
He pointed to Zimbabwe’s Constitution as a strong example of legal protections that promote religious freedom and equality.
“Section 60 of our Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience, religion, thought, and belief. Section 56 ensures no one is discriminated against based on religion. These provisions reflect our commitment to religious harmony,” he said.
Advocate Mudenda also spoke about Zimbabwe’s respect for international human rights standards, highlighting the country’s ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
“We are guided by Ubuntu – I am because you are, and you are because we are. This philosophy underpins our belief in community, tolerance, and shared humanity,” he added.
The Speaker described Zimbabwe as an interdenominational society, where faith-based cooperation is encouraged and hate-based divisions are rare.
“Religious tolerance in Zimbabwe is not just a legal framework, it is a cultural reality,” he said.
Earlier, leaders including His Excellency Lorenzo Fontana, the president of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Honourable Ignazio La Russa, president of the Italian Senate, and Rt Honourable Tulia Ackson, president of the IPU, opened the conference by expressing concern over rising global tensions and intolerance and called for deeper cooperation between governments and religious communities.
The IPU also launched the second part of its report “Engagement with Religion and Belief by Parliamentarians”, a timely document exploring how MPs can advance inclusive, peaceful societies.
Speaker Mudenda’s speech from the 2023 Marrakesh Dialogue is cited in the report for its clarity and conviction.
As the conference continues, delegates are expected to meet Pope Leo XIV in a gesture of interfaith unity.
