Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
THE Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at State House in Harare, where they discussed the role of the Church in fostering national development.
Speaking after meeting the President, Anglican Bishop in Zimbabwe and president of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), Bishop Ignatius Makumbe, who was part of the delegation, said the visit was purely pastoral.
“Our visit is solely pastoral,” he said.
“When we talk of a pastoral visit, we are simply coming to pray with the President for wisdom and for prosperity in our nation, Zimbabwe.”
ZHOCD is an ecumenical coalition comprising four apex Christian bodies: the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) and the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA).
The church leaders emphasised the importance of spiritual well-being in driving national progress, noting that citizens who are peaceful and spiritually grounded will contribute positively to the country’s development.
The delegation assured President Mnangagwa of the Church’s continued prayers for peace, unity and prosperity, while reaffirming its role in promoting moral values and social cohesion across the country.
The meeting underscored the longstanding relationship between the Government and faith-based organisations in advancing national development and promoting peace and unity among citizens.
Churches in Zimbabwe are key partners in national development. They drive socio-economic progress in education, health and infrastructure.
Churches complement Government efforts through initiatives like building schools and clinics, enhancing community resilience and advocating for peace, social cohesion and women’s empowerment, particularly in rural areas.
