Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka-Zimpapers Politics Hub
RELIGIOUS leaders have thrown their weight behind the proposed Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill of 2026, describing the legislative changes as a “divine and civic necessity” that will guarantee national stability and the successful realisation of Vision 2030.
The endorsement follows the gazetting of the Bill in mid-February, which proposes a Parliamentary process for the election of the President by a majority of the National Assembly and Senate sitting together, and seeks to replace the current five-year term with a seven-year term.
Leading the call for solidarity, Council of Churches in Africa (CCA) president, Archbishop Dr Rocky Moyo, said indigenous churches and faith-based institutions were in full solidarity with President Mnangagwa’s vision.
“The Bishops Council Executive, boards of governors (Apostolic, Zion and Pentecostal), partners, stakeholders and affiliates fully support the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill of 2026,” he said.
“Zimbabwe has never seen such progress, and as churches, we are firmly behind it. We stand with the President and recognise the immense changes he has spearheaded since taking office.”
Dr Moyo said the CCA respects the church’s voice and confidence in the President’s leadership, noting that the party’s desire to extend his tenure would allow for the completion of critical developmental projects.
“As indigenous churches and in truth, we have not witnessed this level of transformation in Zimbabwe for decades.
“This is something new to us, and we want the leader behind this shift to continue towards the realisation of Vision 2030,” he said.
“As you know, Vision 2030 does not belong to Zanu-PF or the President alone, it belongs to all Zimbabweans. Zanu-PF is there to spearhead it, just as we are here as churches and citizens to offer our support.”
Archbishop Moyo urged Zimbabweans to adopt a new mindset focused on national growth and think bigger and better than before.
“We must stand with the President as a leader who has been given a mandate by the people and, ultimately, by God. He is the leader we prayed for, and this progress is exactly what we want to see,” he said.
“We have noted great strides, which he had made so far and we really appreciate his commitment in complementing the church’s roles in promoting unity, peace and development.”
Prominent Bulawayo cleric and leader of Johanne Masowe eChishanu, Archbishop Emmanuel Mutumwa, echoed the same sentiments, stressing that the amendment is a cornerstone for stability.
“As an apostolic church, we are fully behind the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill of 2026. There is a profound need for the church to take the lead in educating congregants and ensuring they understand the importance of supporting this amendment,” he said.
“This is fundamentally about stability, continuity and development.”
Archbishop Mutumwa emphasised the role of the church in supporting Government-led transformation. “We want our President to continue spearheading the transformative projects he has initiated. As a church, we are part and parcel of those projects and we are constantly praying for their success.
“The President has done a great deal for the religious community, supporting various initiatives across the country that directly benefit the church and its congregants,” he said.
“The Church has always walked hand-in-hand with the Government, serving as a partner in development. This collaboration is rooted in our shared desire to see a prosperous Zimbabwe, and we believe that by standing with the leadership, we are securing a brighter future for all.”
Adding his voice, Bishop Professor Isaac Silumbu of Grace Family Church said the amendment was vital for national harmony.
“From both a spiritual and moral perspective, the Church views this Amendment Bill as a vital instrument for the preservation of national peace and the long-term stability of Zimbabwe,” he said.
“We are fully behind this move because leadership that fosters development is a blessing that must be sustained. It is our conviction that continuity in governance is essential for the harmony of our people,” said Bishop Silumbu.
“Christians are biblically instructed to respect governing authorities, recognising that all leadership ultimately originates from God.
“Furthermore, the principle of self-determination is vital, clearly, an individual from another country cannot determine the destiny of Zimbabwe. It’s essential that our laws are crafted by us, for us. Ultimately, believers trust that God’s will prevails, and we support the right of Zimbabweans to shape a future that ensures stability and prosperity for all.”
The Amendment Bill, which is expected to undergo Parliamentary deliberation soon, introduces legal reforms aimed at clarifying institutional roles and enhancing the efficiency of the State architecture.
