Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
Zimpapers Politics Hub
President of the Council of Churches in Africa (CCA), Archbishop Professor Rocky Moyo has called for peace and urged church leaders across denominations to preach the message of peace.
His remarks came in the wake of the March 31 failed protests that were called for by expelled Zanu-PF Central Committee member, Blessed Geza.
Archbishop Moyo also commended the general public for heeding calls to disregard the protests, emphasising that as churches, they do not condone protests, which often result in the loss of life and destruction of property.
The demonstration was a monumental flop, as Zimbabweans chose to uphold the prevailing peace and tranquillity in the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ordination of pastors and bishops at Upper Room Shekinah Ministries International in Bulawayo on Saturday, Archbishop Moyo said churches must not support any protest planned against the Government.
He said those agitating for the removal of a constitutionally elected Government should know that leaders are appointed by God.
“Protests are an act of desperation. They are not a solution to problems, rather, they can tragically lead to the loss of property and, more importantly, lives.
“As the Council of Churches in Africa, we earnestly call upon all churches to actively promote peace by consistently ignoring calls for disruptive protests.
“Our steadfast commitment to peaceful engagement will serve as a powerful and unifying example for all our communities. We strongly encourage all Zimbabweans to unite for the benefit of our beloved country.”
“We also commend the general public for their wisdom and discernment in disregarding the recent calls for protests. Their mature decision to prioritise peace, stability, and constructive dialogue is deeply appreciated and reflects a profound commitment to the enduring well-being and prosperity of our entire nation,” said Archbishop Moyo.
“Instead of resorting to protests, I firmly believe we should prioritise dialogue. Engaging in meaningful and constructive discussions offers a pathway to resolve issues peacefully, fostering understanding and building lasting solutions for the betterment of our society,” he said.
He emphasised that it is the responsibility of Zimbabweans to develop the nation and support the current Government.
Turning to the ordaining of bishops, Archbishop Moyo said: “This is a commendable move, especially considering that in past years we’ve witnessed numerous splits within churches. A significant cause of these divisions is often the succession of leadership following the death of the founder.
“We are particularly pleased that those ordained have been designated to take over, a proactive measure that significantly mitigates the potential for future succession disputes and ensures a more stable and unified leadership within the ministry,” said Archbishop Moyo.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa has also repeatedly acknowledged the church as a key component in nation-building, calling on the people to value the word of God in fostering unity for economic development.
