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A DAWN of a new era is beckoning in the once faction riddled Anglican Diocese of Manicaland, with the bishop-elect, Reverend Eric Ruwona extending a hand of reconciliation to all church members as well as letting bygones be bygones.
In an exclusive interview upon his arrival in Mutare to prepare for his ordination, consecration and enthronement next Saturday at Mutare Showgrounds, Rev Ruwona, underscored the need for unity of purpose among all Anglican members in Manicaland and beyond.
“As bishops and priests, our mission is to preach the gospel of reconciliation because God wants people to have good relationships.
“Manicaland is the hub of Anglicanism in Zimbabwe and the diocese should lead by example of having united congregants who share the same vision, goals and aspirations. I am not new to the diocese having served here before as a priest and vicar-general and I know the problems besetting the church and I am a servant of the people. No-one will influence my mission here in Manicaland as some people might think, but I will be there for everyone. We need to heal all the wounds of the past and move forward together as a united family. When warring parties can come together and throw away their guns to work for the good of the people, why can’t we as Christians have the heart to forgive and embrace each other? We cannot be in the trenches forever. Like what the Bible says, the harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. There is enough work for everyone to do,” said Rev Ruwona.
He said he was prepared to work with everyone regardless of past experiences or brushes.
“All those willing to be part of this new crusade are free to join us and move forward.
“We were one family before and we should revisit that oneness spirit and move forward. We are also prepared to work with all those who think we do not see eye-to-eye because this is God’s work and is not about personal glory or gratification. My immediate goal is to get to know the congregants’ aspirations and work with everyone. My background is development orientated and we want to see a changed way of thinking in the church with everyone’s ideas being taken on board. I have come here with a much more open mind. I have no set agendas as some people might think. We are here to do God’s work and we will strive to do that because we were called to minister to the people and not to cause divisions and disharmony in the church.
‘No-one is bigger than the church, so we should bury the hatchet and work as God fearing people,” said Rev Ruwona.
The diocesan registrar, Mr Ashley Mutungura, said all was set for the ordination, consecration and enthronement of Rev Ruwona.
“We are expecting people from across the globe to grace this occasion. Rev Ruwona is spiritual and has a calling from God. He is a very good leader who approaches issues with an open mind. He was the one who brought the first vehicle for the Cathedral since independence. He also spearheaded the construction of St Agnes Church in Chikanga, which was his first place to minister here in Manicaland.
“He started the food relief programme during Retired Bishop Bakare’s tenure. In short, he takes the gospel from the pulpit to the world, right to the people’s stomachs. We are sure that his coming back to Manicaland will see more developmental projects like schools being built as well as having spiritual growth among congregants,” said Mr Mutungura.
Rev Ruwona becomes the fifth bishop for the Diocese of Manicaland after bishops Hatendi, Bakare, Jakazi and Makoni.
He replaces Bishop Makoni who retired recently to take up a new post at the International Monetary Fund.
Online Reporter