Churches are custodians of peace, not political actors, says Dr Mutendi

Patron of the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC), His Grace Dr Nehemiah Mutendi

CHURCHES are not political actors but shepherds of souls, custodians of peace and servants of the moral conscience of the nation, Patron of the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC), His Grace Dr Nehemiah Mutendi, has said.

Addressing delegates at the ZIICC conference held at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday, Dr Mutendi said the role of the church was to pray for national leaders and provide moral guidance without seeking to influence political decisions.

“As churches, we gather not as political actors, but as shepherds of souls, witnesses of hope, custodians of peace and servants of the moral conscience of our nation. Our calling is to pray, to guide, to heal, to reconcile and to remind the nation that where God is honoured, the future is unlimited,” he said.

Dr Mutendi said the conference theme, centred on Vision 2032 through unity, peace and economic empowerment, was both timely and relevant to the country’s development aspirations.

“Where wisdom lives, peace follows. Where unity stands, a nation becomes strong. And where God is honoured, the future is assured. The future of a nation is not built by bricks, stones and policies alone. A nation is built by wisdom, protected by peace, sustained by prayer and blessed when its people walk in the fear of God,” he said.

He said Zimbabwe’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term carried a responsibility for the nation to promote peace both internationally and domestically.

“If Zimbabwe speaks for peace in the world, then Zimbabwe must also be a house of peace at home. We need authentic peace, not the peace of speeches only, but peace in families, communities, churches, the environment and the economy,” said Dr Mutendi.

Describing peace as a source of strength rather than weakness, he urged Zimbabweans to embrace values that promote national cohesion and stability.

“Peace is not weakness. It is strength under wisdom. Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is dignity, respect, love and stability,” he said.

Turning to national legislative processes, Dr Mutendi said churches were praying for wisdom, unity and peace as Parliament considers Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

“We are calling upon churches throughout the nation to pray that through divine help and wisdom, unity and peace shall prevail in our country,” he said.

Dr Mutendi revealed that the Zion Christian Church had embarked on a 50-day fasting and prayer programme focused on peace, national leaders and the country’s future. He encouraged other churches to join in praying for Zimbabwe.

“When we pray for leaders, we do not dictate to them what to do. We do not pray for parliamentarians and then command them. We pray that God gives them wisdom, courage, patience and discernment to make decisions that protect the people and strengthen our nation,” he said.

He also called for intensified efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, describing the scourge as a threat to families, communities and the country’s future.

“This is not only a social problem, it is a spiritual wound attacking families, schools, churches and the future of our nation. A wounded generation requires a united nation,” said Dr Mutendi.

He commended the First Lady for her efforts in assisting young people affected by drug and substance abuse and urged continued support for programmes aimed at protecting and empowering the country’s youth.

The conference brought together church leaders and congregants from various denominations to pray for peace, unity, national development and economic empowerment.