Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
ZANU PF has hailed the church for its vital role in promoting peace, unity, and social development across the country, calling for a stronger partnership in addressing challenges such as drug and substance abuse.
Addressing thousands of congregants from the African Apostolic Church led by Mutumwa Paul Mwazha during their Easter Conference in Chitando, Gutu, ZANU PF Politburo member and Minister of State for National Security, Cde Lovemore Matuke, reiterated the government’s commitment to working with the church to build a cohesive and morally upright society.
“Our President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa continues to support the church and for the first time under the Second Republic, we have seen church leaders coming to state house to pray for the nation. We have got a symbiotic relationship, especially with the African Apostolic Church and we continue to work together towards ensuring peace and unity in our country. We recognise the role that the church plays in ensuring development in our communities hence we continue to say, take advantage of those development programmes to empower yourselves,” Honourable Matuke said.
Honourable Matuke also spoke on the important role the church must play in the fight against drug and substance abuse among youths.
“Our government through President Mnangagwa continues to call upon the church to assist in the fight against drug and substance abuse that has become rampant among our youths. Let us join hands in this fight, with the church preaching against drugs and at the same time teaching our children the importance of good morals,” he said.
The African Apostolic Church leaders paid tribute to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration for creating an enabling environment for churches to grow.
“As a church, we recognise the important role that the government play in ensuring we worship in peace. Despite challenges the government has been very supportive and we also pledge our support through taking part in programmes that ensure the important livelihoods of our people,” Chairman of the African Apostolic Church, Bishop Elson Tafa said.
“We continue to pray for our country and our President because he supports the church. We have also seen the way the government supports us and other churches across the country,” Bishop Chrispen Rusike said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on record stating the symbiotic relationship between the government and the church.
