tawandamusarurwa
Emmanuel Kafe
THE church has commended the current peaceful environment across the country, and has urged citizens to remain peaceful as the country gears up for the 2023 harmonised elections.
Zimbabwe goes to the polls on Wednesday to elect the next president, parliamentarians and councillors.
Leaders of indigenous, charismatic and Apostolic sect churches who spoke to The Sunday Mail urged political parties and candidates to maintain the calm being experienced during the pre-election season.
The Federation of Indigenous Churches in Zimbabwe (FICZ) — an ecclesiastical umbrella body whose membership is drawn from Apostolic, Pentecostal and Zion churches — said it was pleased with the prevailing electoral environment.
FICZ national chairperson Bishop Gift Marufu said the forthcoming polls should be held in a peaceful environment, allowing people to vote without being intimidated.
“As churches, we are promoting peace, harmony and unity, before, during and after the elections.
“Whatever result that will prevail, we are urging political parties to accept the outcome, so that at the end of the day, we progress with our lives.
“We are encouraging everyone to go out and vote; there is no need to quarrel and fight. We need each other. We are one Zimbabwe,” he said.
United Family International Church spokesperson Pastor Prime Kufa said congregants should carry themselves with dignity and promote peace.
“We encourage peace. Elections come and go, and we have seen politicians cross the floor to join other parties.
“That tells you no one and no party is worth dying for or killing for.
“We should campaign peacefully and exercise our constitutional right to vote, because no one will do it for you,” he said.
St John Apostolic Church of the Whole World spokesperson Mr Benjamin Mutsunge said no one should lose life or limb during the election period.
He said, as a church, they would continue to urge their followers to remain humble and follow the country’s laws.
“At the end of the day, it’s an election. We are a peaceful nation, and as a church, we do not encourage violence,” he said.
“We need people to unite in prayer.”
African Christian Council International president Archbishop Johannes Ndanga said there is need for the church to lead in preaching and praying for peace, unity and love.
“The current dispensation encourages peaceful co-existence regardless of divergent views in the political arena, particularly as we head towards elections.
“Let us be peaceful and not stimulate the emotions of other people to avoid violence,” he said.
Council of Churches in Africa president Bishop Rocky Moyo said youths
should desist from being used to cause anarchy.
He praised candidates for taking the lead in promoting peace, adding that the same spirit should continue as election day draws closer.
“Elections come and go, but we remain one people. We have a country to develop beyond the polls.
“The church will continue preaching peace during this election season.
“We need to work together in the development of the country and an election must not divide us,” said Bishop Moyo.
Online Reporter