adminA NUMBER of Apostolic sects are known for praying and worshipping the Lord in the open.
This has, over the years, exposed them to harsh weather conditions like cold, rain and the sun.
The other sad reality is that the majority of these sects do not have ablution facilities at their places of worship.
With most of these sects attracting multitudes of worshippers at their shrines, it’s never ideal for people to worship under such conditions.
However, there appears to be a change of mind-set with some apostolic sects now setting up ablution facilities at their places of worship.
Others are also providing water sources for the maintenance of high levels of hygiene.
The other good news is that there are some apostolic sects who are now taking their children to medical centres for immunisation.
Over the years, representatives of these churches had no time for engagement with other parties over this.
Fear of the unknown and bureaucracy used to curtail their efforts to meet the authorities.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Service Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, met a number of worshippers at Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira’s Highfield shrine at the weekend.
As the chairperson of the Apostolic Faith Board, Madzibaba Moses spoke about some of the challenges they face.
Chief among them was stigma, clashes with city fathers over places of worship and the lack of accommodation.
He vowed to make a pact with the Government to ensure they were not left out in developmental projects.
He also pleaded with the Government to consider their concerns, especially the provision of places of worship, and residential stands.
Madzibaba Moses appealed to the Government for his members to be considered for top positions in higher offices.
Minister Mutsvangwa assured the big crowd, and their representatives, that she would take their grievances to higher offices for consideration.
She said this was in line with the Second Republic’s mantra in which it values everyone in society.
She said President Mnangagwa values everyone in the country and she was confident His Excellency will find time to meet all apostolic faith churches.
This should come as good news to other churches, as this engagement has shown that the Government has time to listen to everyone, who brings their concerns to the table.
There is nothing that beats engagement.
It provides a platform for all parties to bring their issues to the table and our leaders have shown that they are always willing to listen and, where possible, address the issues.
Immunisation has been a thorny issue when it comes to many apostolic sects.
But, refreshingly, we are beginning to see some changes, when it comes to this.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter