Churches in call for peace ahead of polls

Precious Manomano-Herald Reporter

Churches must play a leading role in promoting peace and tolerance ahead of the forthcoming by-elections, Zimbabwe Christian Ministers Association(ZCMA) head Bishop Christopher Choto said, noting that churches play critical role in the socio-economic development and political stability of the country.

“The current dispensation encourages a peaceful co-existence regardless of divergent views in the political arena particularly as we head towards elections.

“Let us be peaceful and not stimulate emotions of other people to avoid violence. We should not attack each other and let us hear how are the leaders are going to contribute in nation building,” said Bishop Choto.

Churches needed to be instrumental in promoting unity to ensure peace and stability during by elections. Bishop Choto also said churches must entrench a culture of hard work and honesty among congregants as the country forged ahead with the nation building initiatives meant to improve the livelihoods and achieve Vision 2030.

Churches and other stakeholders should complement Government’s efforts in promoting the country’s economic growth and development. 

All people had a duty to pursue initiatives that would modernise, industrialise and grow the country’s economy.

Bishop Choto commended the Second Republic for stabilising the economy and urged the nation to scale up efforts to mould a morally-upright God-fearing and hardworking people.

In an interview Union of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe (UDACIZA) founder Mrs Gloria Chitanda urged churches to rally behind President Mnangagwa in his call for peace, unity and love.

“We need to maintain peace and unity; our President is leading by example so we should follow him. Violence should not be tolerated at all . Let’s pray to maintain peace in our country,’ she said. 

Recently deputy chairperson of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission, Commissioner Lilian Chigwedere said Zimbabwe is on the right path towards realising peace and reconciliation through the leadership of President Mnangagwa, who has shown the political will to address issues affecting communities such as Gukurahundi and others.

Zimbabwe needed peace in order to achieve the vision of an empowered upper middle income society by 2030.