adminAPOSTOLIC Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) leader Bishop Johannes Ndanga has called on the church to take a leading role in resolving problems being faced by the country, as there was a need to divert from a political way of thinking.
Speaking on the sidelines of a crusade organised by the Revelation Church of God in Bulawayo yesterday, Bishop Ndanga said the country was faced with a number of political, social and economic problems which needed the church to intervene and spiritual leaders to assist in developing lasting solutions.
The crusade also saw ACCZ handing over a registration certificate to the church.
Bishop Ndanga said it was essential for the role of the church to be re-defined and to be noted that it was a big institution with a huge role to play in the country.
“For example, we have a lot of problems within our prisons where there is no water, food, laundry facilities and uniforms; this is the time that we come forward as a church, go to these places, preach to the inmates and even provide whatever is required noting that even the inmates need to hear the word like any other person.
“I really believe that we have reached a point where we have to advocate for spiritual leaders to be at the forefront of solving problems in the country. It is no secret that sanctions really affected our country but we cannot sit back and watch; we must instead come forward and help in the revival of the nation’s economy,” said Bishop Ndanga.
On the handing over of the certificate to the Revelation Church of God, which was formed in South Africa, Bishop Ndanga said it was a good sign that more churches were cropping up to help further the nation’s spirituality.
“This is one of the fastest growing churches in South Africa and they are now going regional. As an association, we are here to see their practices and ensure that they do not engage in the abuse of women and children like other churches,” said Bishop Ndanga.
The founder of the church, Prophet Samuel Radebe, said they were happy with the response they had got in Zimbabwe noting that the people in the country were enthusiastic about the Word of God.
“It is unfortunate that in our history Christianity has always been portrayed as a Western religion hence when Africans form their own church they receive all sorts of criticism but I believe the gospel is the gospel regardless of where it emanates from,” said Prophet Radebe.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, Cde Jabulani Sibanda, who attended the crusade to offer a solidarity message, noted that it was encouraging that more Africans were coming forward to form their own churches rather than waiting for the West to be at the forefront of any religion.
“As war veterans we believe that it is not always about physical confrontation but there also has to be spiritual intervention where the church has to have a role in conflict resolution and it becomes even more encouraging to have this resolution being led by our own indigenous church leaders.
“I further believe that the church is supposed to be in the forefront of resolving problems within a nation especially whenever that nation is going through challenging times not forgetting that the principle of God must be adapted into any political system,” said Cde Sibanda.
Online Reporter