Online Reporter
Zimpapers Writer
THE church has been called to shun divisive tendencies and petty denominational wars and focus on the critical role of fostering national unity and supporting Government programmes aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
Speaking at the Vapostori for Economic Development (VED) meeting in Bulawayo on Wednesday, VED National Vice-Chairman Archbishop Tsungai Vushe urged churches across the country to set aside denominational differences and work together for the common good of the country.
He said all church organisations should focus on uniting communities and advancing the development programmes initiated by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa rather than seeking personal glory.
“It is our collective responsibility as the church to be a beacon of hope, unity, development as well as raising a morally upright society. We must therefore support Government initiatives that seek to improve education, healthcare, economic stability and nurture a responsible citizenry. Our unity can amplify these efforts and bring about real transformation,” Archbishop Vushe said.
He said the church should be guided by the President’s instructive philosophy of leaving no-one and no place behind which speaks to the idea of bringing national development to all areas of the country without marginalising others.
“It gets worrying when instead of promoting unity and supporting development initiatives, the church promotes division within itself based on positions and denominations. It is a contradiction to its role in peace-building and makes it difficult to achieve part of its social objectives,” he said.
He also aimed a significant part of his message on the rising scourge of drug and substance abuse among Zimbabwe’s youth, highlighting that if there is no continued collective action, the future of the nation is threatened.
“Drug and substance abuse are not just individual family problems, they are a national crisis that require urgent collective action and the church should play ball in cultivating good morals within the communities.”
Archbishop Vushe called on churches to intensify their efforts in youth outreach, counselling and rehabilitation programmes. He emphasised the importance of creating safe spaces where young people can find guidance and support.
“We must be proactive in preventing addiction and helping those already affected to recover and reintegrate into society,” he said.
He urged church leaders to partner with Government agencies and non-governmental organisations to create comprehensive strategies to combat drug abuse saying unity between the Church and the State is essential in addressing these societal challenges.
“My message is not new. I am simply echoing what the country’s Presidium has been saying. They are eager to see the Church actively contributing to national development, social healing and unity,” Archbishop Vushe said.
