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Herald Reporter
CHURCHES have hailed the prevailing peaceful environment and unity as one of the great gains of independence which they want to see preserved during the forthcoming elections as citizens make their right, granted at independence, to make their choices.
Johanne Masowe yeChishanu Velvet leader Madzibaba Owen Chingondi said the heroes and heroines who brought the country’s Independence should be respected.
He said since the country was preparing for elections, political parties should not poison their election campaigns through acts of violence, but should instead focus on selling their messages of a brighter future to the electorate by preaching love, peace and unity.
“As Johanne Masowe yeChishanu Velvet, we salute and respect the efforts and courage of our forefathers who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country,” he said.
“Our independence as Zimbabweans was earned after decades of struggle against the colonial rule. As such, we treasure our freedom and honour all those who sacrificed their lives.”
Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops Father Tryvis Moyo said the peaceful environment which exists in the country was of paramount importance.
The gospel was about life, joy, truth, freedom and human dignity, liberation and peace.
“Independence is celebrated by the church as an expression of what God desires for God’s people,” said Father Moyo. “For the gospel not to be a pie in the sky, it has to be anchored in reality and if the reality speaks of the children of God breaking away the fetters that bind, inhibit, demean, robs them of their dignity, then the Kingdom touches us and is to be celebrated.”
The Johanne Masowe WeChishanu weAfrica International leader Andby Makururu hailed the Independence, saying for the nation to prosper there was need for unity.
Churches, he said, should be active participants in Government’s programmes to grow the economy and create an empowered society.
“Churches have to be ambassadors in this economic transformative agenda by helping to build a society free of crime, which shuns corruption and whose values are anchored on hard work, honesty, diligence and integrity to fulfil the wishes of gallant sons and daughters,” he said.
“We are proud with the works and sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters who fought diligently to bring about peace which we are enjoying today.”
He exhorted churches to encourage their congregants to register to vote and exercise their democratic right.
Online Reporter
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