Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
CHURCHES should provide safe, supportive and inclusive environments for women, children and people with disabilities, while actively challenging gender-based violence and discrimination, Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Misheck Mugadza has said.
He said religious institutions had an important responsibility to promote peaceful, respectful and violence-free families and communities through their teachings and engagement with congregants.
Minister Mugadza made the call in a speech read on his behalf by Mutare District Development Coordinator Mr Tendai Kapenzi during the ordination of Bishop Paradza Shava and the admission of Vateveri vaKristu Apostolic Church into the union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA) in Marange recently.
“I call upon the church to ensure that vulnerable members of society are protected and treated with dignity, regardless of their circumstances,” he said.
“Ensure that the church becomes a safe and supportive environment for women, children, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable members of society.”
Minister Mugadza said churches should not only preach against violence but also help survivors access the assistance they need, including protection, counselling, healthcare and justice.
“Religious leaders have an important role to play in challenging harmful social norms, promoting mutual respect between women and men, and encouraging peaceful ways of resolving family disputes,” he said.
“No person should be denied safety, dignity or access to assistance on the basis of religious or cultural beliefs.”
He said gender-based violence remained a concern requiring the collective efforts of Government, churches, families and communities, adding that religious teachings should promote love, accountability and respect for human dignity.
The minister said churches were important partners in national development beyond their spiritual responsibilities, as they also provided moral guidance, mobilised communities and promoted peace and unity.
He encouraged religious institutions across Manicaland to complement Government efforts by supporting vulnerable households, promoting responsible citizenship and participating in initiatives aimed at improving community welfare.
“Churches are not only places of worship. They are also centres of moral guidance, community mobilisation, social support and the promotion of peace and unity,” he said.
“I therefore encourage religious institutions to continue contributing to national development by promoting the wellbeing of all people.”
Minister Mugadza said sustainable development required cooperation among Government, churches, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.
He also congratulated Bishop Shava on his ordination, describing the appointment as a call to service rather than an opportunity for personal recognition.
He urged the new bishop to lead with humility, integrity, compassion and fairness, while promoting unity among congregants and supporting those facing difficulties.
“Ordination is not merely the attainment of a title or position. It is a call to greater responsibility, servant leadership, humility and commitment to the spiritual and social wellbeing of the people entrusted to your care,” he said.
The minister urged church members to support their bishop and work together in building a congregation guided by unity, participation and mutual respect.
UDACIZA provincial chairperson for Manicaland Reverend Prosper Sithole welcomed Vateveri vaKristu Apostolic Church into the church network, urging other white garment churches to join the organisation.
He said bringing churches together under UDACIZA would create opportunities for cooperation and strengthen their contribution to addressing challenges affecting communities.
“We are happy that Bishop Shava and his church have joined UDACIZA. We encourage more white garment churches to become members so that we can work together, promote responsible church leadership and strengthen our contribution to the welfare of communities,” he said.
Reverend Sithole said churches had an important role to play in promoting the protection of vulnerable people and ensuring that their teachings translated into responsible conduct within congregations and families.
He said cooperation among religious institutions would also help strengthen efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and address social challenges affecting communities.
