Online Reporter
Aaron Nyamayaro
Herald Reporter
APOSTOLIC sects must apply for land and build churches in authorised areas to enable them to play an important role in supporting national development initiatives, Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Charles Tawengwa has said.
He made the remarks at the 41st anniversary celebrations of St John Apostolic Church of the World in Harare yesterday.
Senator Tawengwa urged apostolic churches to apply for official land and construct formal church buildings.
“I am particularly inspired by the vision you have articulated as a church: a vision of dignity, development and discipline,” said Sen Tawengwa.
“Your call to encourage congregants to buy church stands and build proper, lasting places of worship resonates deeply with Vision 2030 to build an upper middle-income society by 2030. I want to assure you that my office is ready to support these developmental initiatives.
“The type of infrastructure I am seeing being built here at the Kuwadzana Assembly demonstrates potential that requires Government support to ensure this is replicated in all indigenous churches,” Sen Tawengwa.
He said indigenous churches had an important role to play in supporting national economic strategies and policies.
“Indigenous churches like the St John Apostolic Church are partners in developing the nation towards becoming an upper middle-income society; hence, they should be at the forefront of initiating impactful projects that contribute to socio-economic transformation.
“The President has made it clear that a country is developed by its own citizens through his now-popular mantra, ‘Nyika Inovakwa, Igotsigirwa, Igonamatigwa neVene Vayo.’ This demonstrates the value the President places on the role of churches in creating a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe,” he said.
He said Government was committed to supporting indigenous churches in accessing land for the construction of shrines and places of worship.
Scores of congregants gathered at the Kuwadzana open space, dressed in the church’s distinctive green and white colours, to mark 41 years of spiritual growth and service. The church was founded in 1985 and has grown to more than 90 assemblies across Zimbabwe and the region.
“Traditionally, the church has been at the forefront of guiding society. We stand for unity, peace and development. We appreciate the leadership of President Mnangagwa for allowing the church to work closely with Government in building the nation,” said St John Apostolic Church of the World founder, Dr Sidney Mabhiza.
Bishop Mabhiza appealed to the local authority to consider allocating apostolic churches stands for permanent places of worship.
“We want to urge all white garment churches to unite and consider building church structures, and avoid exposing congregants to harsh weather and unhealthy conditions.
“Let all white garment churches speak with one voice and avoid calling each other names, which causes division,” he said.
The commemorations attracted representatives of the Federation of Indigenous Churches in Zimbabwe, Anglican Church members, the Kuwadzana community and Government officials.
Artists including Mambo Dhuterere, Solomon Chaporonga, Wiseman Gwashiro, Mai Nhoriwa and Sharon Tivafire provided entertainment at the event.
