Online Reporter
Obey Sibanda
PASTORS for Economic Development (Pastors4ED) have urged Zimbabweans to embrace peace, dialogue and prayer ahead of the planned demonstrations scheduled for Friday over Constitutional Amendment No. 3.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Pastors4ED national chairperson, Prophetess Councillor Dr Idirashe Dongo, said the church has a responsibility to promote peace and national unity.
She said the church’s role was to safeguard peace, encourage dialogue, pray for the nation and promote respect for lawful authority.
“The church has a God-given responsibility to preach peace and discourage violence, destruction of property and hate speech. Zimbabwe is our only home and we must protect it,” said Dr Dongo.
He appealed to Government, political parties, civic organisations and citizens to resolve differences through dialogue rather than confrontation.
“We believe that differences in a democracy are best resolved through dialogue and not confrontation adding that nation-building should be guided by the principle that ‘Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’.
Pastors4ED have also called on churches across the country to dedicate Friday to prayer and fasting for peace, wisdom and national unity.
“We urge all pastors, churches and believers to set aside 31 July as a day of prayer and fasting for peace, wisdom for our leaders and God’s divine direction for Zimbabwe,” she said.
On governance, Dr Dongo cited Romans 13:1, saying Christians should respect governing authorities while remaining committed to peaceful conduct.
She urged believers to continue with their daily activities and contribute positively to national development.
“All Christians must go about their business as usual, working diligently and contributing to the building of our nation,” she said.
Pastors4ED reaffirmed commitment to peace, unity, development and national progress, urging Zimbabweans, particularly young people, to reject violence and work towards building the country.
“We urge all Zimbabweans, especially the youth, to choose building over destruction and work over disruption,” said Dr Dongo.
The appeal comes on the eve of planned demonstrations against Constitutional Amendment No. 3 by those opposed to progress.
