Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
Vice President Kembo Mohadi is expected to officiate at a major national gathering when the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) hosts its National Churches Convention at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday, with more than 60 000 congregants from all 10 provinces in attendance.
The large-scale convention is set to rank among the country’s biggest religious gatherings in recent years, bringing together church leaders, congregants, community representatives and stakeholders in a show of unity and collective national purpose.
Held under the theme “Fostering Vision 2030 Through Prayer, Unity, Peace and Economic Empowerment”, the event seeks to mobilise the church behind national development efforts while promoting cohesion and socio-economic transformation.
In a formal invitation, ZIICC patron Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi said the convention is designed to strengthen collaboration between the church and Government in advancing the national development agenda and supporting the attainment of Vision 2030. One of the key objectives of the gathering is to support and promote the
Government’s Vision 2030 agenda as well as President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
ZIICC secretary-general Reverend Thabani Dube said the convention would provide a platform for churches to participate in national development through various empowerment initiatives.
“We also intend to use the platform to launch church-based economic empowerment initiatives that will be rolled out to districts across the country. These programmes are meant to improve livelihoods and ensure that congregants become active participants in economic development within their communities,” said Rev Dube.
A major highlight of the convention will be the launch of 60 Drug and Substance Abuse Church Rehabilitation Centres, to be established across all 10 provinces of the country. The centres are expected to complement
Government efforts in tackling the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people, by strengthening community-based rehabilitation and support systems.
Church leaders attending the convention are also expected to issue a collective national declaration calling for zero tolerance for drug and substance abuse, while urging communities to adopt productive, healthy and responsible lifestyles.
Bishop Mutendi said the gathering would further provide an opportunity for churches to offer thanksgiving for the favourable rainfall season experienced across the country, which has contributed to improved agricultural production and strengthened prospects for national food security.
“The convention will allow the church to thank God for the abundant rains received during the past farming season, which have contributed significantly to improved harvests and enhanced food security for many communities,” said Bishop Mutendi.
Another key feature of the event will be the launch of a Church Choirs Economic Empowerment Programme to create sustainable income-generating opportunities for church choirs and related groups in the country.
Organisers said the initiative is expected to support talented choir members through projects that promote self-reliance while strengthening the growth and sustainability of church music ministries nationwide.
The convention will also provide a platform for interdenominational dialogue and cooperation, with church leaders expected to deliberate on issues affecting communities and explore ways through which faith-based organisations can contribute towards peace-building, social cohesion and economic development.
Organisers said the gathering is expected to be one of the largest church assemblies in the country this year and will demonstrate the church’s continued role in supporting national development and fostering unity among Zimbabweans.
