adminGift Mavezere Chronicle Reporter
THE Anglican Diocese of Matabeleland yesterday marked its Diamond Jubilee with scores of people thronging St Gabriel Centre in Bulawayo
The celebrations ran under the theme “Embracing inclusivity and diversity to make a difference.”
The celebrations began with a march around the city centre in the morning with scores of church members participating.
The large crowd escorted by the police sang the church’s hymns as it moved along the streets with others beating drums.
Addressing the gathering at about 11am, Right Reverend Cleophas Lunga, urged church members to uphold peace, reconciliation and unity.
“Peace and reconciliation are not just about speeches and apologising for inflicted pain but are opportunities for giving someone a sense of creativity and a bright and colourful perspective to life,” said Rev Lunga.
“Some programmes associated with peace and reconciliation may not be well understood especially in a polarised context. For example in a setting marred with economic hardships some people develop cultures of greed which inevitably cause polarisation in communities and society.
“For instance some people may want to use church property for individual gain. This becomes a challenge that must be dealt with carefully and peacefully in order to avoid exacerbating polarisation.”
Rev Lunga said the church was working on rehabilitating its infrastructure and schools to ensure that the institutions are well maintained.
“Various activities were put in place to rehabilitate Cyrene Mission, and the high school there and St Gabriel’s Centre. This gathering is there to call people to witness the rehabilitation process and be involved,” he said.
Rev Lunga said it was the vision of the church to establish more schools, vocational centres and clinics in the diocese.
Online Reporter