Churches should complement Govt: Mutendi

Sydney Mubaiwa in Bikita
Leader of the Zion Christian Church Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi has urged churches to play a leading role in complementing Government efforts in fostering both community and national development.

Speaking at a national youth conference that was held at the church’s headquarters in Bikita recently, Bishop Mutendi said the church should not work against the Government. He said the church should have the zeal to ensure that there is a cordial working relationship between it and Government, to achieve national goals for development.

“The church should have a cordial relationship with the Government. Its role is to work together with the Government and not to oppose it. We are there to unite the people and we should complement each other as religious organisations. Instead of attacking the Government, we should come together and pray for our country and its economy,” he said.

“We must not oppose the country’s leadership, but we must take part in helping to maintain peace, unity and development. We as the church, we are not politically affiliated, but we are focused on humanitarian uplifting, and spiritual assistance,” he said.

Bishop Mutendi said the church was regarded as a Government pillar aimed at preaching peaceful co-existence while extending its influence to the less-privileged.

“As the church, I encourage our youths to play a pivotal role in assisting our communities. We should learn to do good all the time. There are a lot of things that need our intervention and it is the role of the church to come in and assist. In cases of drought and floods, we must be there to support the victims,” he said.

Bishop Mutendi also urged church members to utilise the inputs availed to them under the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme to ensure food security in the country.