Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
PREPARATIONS for the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) National Churches Convention are at an advanced stage, with Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi expected to attend the gathering at White City Stadium in Bulawayo on Saturday.
The convention, which will run under the theme, “Fostering Vision 2030 Through Prayer, Unity, Peace and Economic Empowerment,” is expected to attract thousands of congregants, church leaders and stakeholders from across the country.
A major highlight of the event will be the launch of 60 church-run drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces as churches intensify efforts to complement Government programmes aimed at addressing the growing scourge, particularly among youths.
ZIICC secretary-general Reverend Thabani Dube said preparations for the event were on course.
“This great event is now at White City Stadium. The date has not been changed,” he said.
Speaking after a preparatory meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, ZIICC national coordinator Archbishop Paul Mutara said all systems were in place for the convention, which is aimed at praying for national peace, unity and harmony.
“We are gathering as churches on Saturday to pray for our nation and ask God for peace as we rally behind our Government led by President Mnangagwa,” he said.
“We have seen great strides in terms of development since the coming in of the Second Republic and we want that developmental trajectory to continue uninterrupted.”
Archbishop Mutara said the convention comes at a time when the country is engaged in discussions on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, making prayer and national unity even more important.
Church leaders are expected to make a collective call for zero tolerance towards drug and substance abuse while encouraging communities, especially young people, to embrace productive and healthy lifestyles.
In a formal invitation addressed to President Mnangagwa, ZIICC patron Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi said the gathering seeks to rally churches behind national development efforts while promoting unity, peace and socio-economic transformation.
Bishop Mutendi said the convention would also provide an opportunity for churches to offer thanksgiving for the favourable rainfall season received across the country, which has boosted agricultural production and improved prospects for national food security.
Another major feature of the gathering will be the launch of a Church Choirs Economic Empowerment Programme aimed at creating income-generating opportunities for church choirs and related groups nationwide.
The convention is expected to unite congregants from different denominations in prayer for peace, national development and economic empowerment as churches seek to play a greater role in supporting the country’s socio-economic transformation.
