Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s South Africa Regional office has indicated the transformative role of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) programmes in Zimbabwe, showing how faith – driven initiatives are reshaping communities through health, education and civic partnerships.
PARL Chairman of the North Zimbabwe Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Dr Desire Sibanda emphasised that the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) department partners with other churches to proclaim the soon return of Christ, while also dedicating its efforts to prison ministry through evangelism, regular visits, prayer, and the provision of essential supplies to inmates.
“Our mission is to remind the world that Jesus is coming again, and we do so not only in our pulpits but also in the prisons, where hope is most needed.
“Through prayer, fellowship, and the gift of clothing and food, PARL members bring dignity and the Gospel of Christ to those behind bars,”he said.
Presenting the report to the North Zimbabwe Conference, Stewardship director Pastor Obert Mudzengi emphasised that the great commission is not only about preaching but also about practical service.
He said inter-denominational fellowship strengthens unity among civic leaders and churches.
“On February 7, 2026, we fellowshipped together with Honourable Ministers, District Development Coordinators, civic leaders, and pastors from other denominations. The day was meant to fellowship together as one family in God,” he said.
In a report, SDA South Africa Region said the church views PARL as essential in bridging faith and public institutions.
“Public affairs and religious liberty are the official liaison of the church with public offices. Without it, the mission of the church would remain unfulfilled,” read the statement.
SDA public affairs and religious liberty programmes in Zimbabwe is a department that promotes religious freedom for all faiths through advocacy, interfaith dialogue, and relationship-building with civic leaders.
By aligning with Government leaders and traditional authorities, the church has advanced projects that strengthen self-reliance, promote stewardship, and foster unity across denominations.
In this regard, the report emphasised that PARL programmes follow Christ’s example of mingling with people and meeting their needs.
“Jesus mingled, prayed with people, and ministered to their needs. PARL supports governmental initiatives of reaching the people, praying, and empowering communities,” read the statement.
It said community empowerment projects, such as farming and small industries, are central to self-reliance.
“Projects carried out in the communities include apiary, horticulture, poultry, goat farming, mushroom, dish wash making, and watermelon farming,” read the statement.
“These initiatives equip members to sustain themselves and contribute to local development.”
It emphasised collaboration with chiefs and ministers, which has resulted in tangible infrastructure gains.
“In Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe, Chief Chitsungo offered us free land to construct a clinic for Nyakarova Community,” read the statement.
“In Guruve, Honourable Tendai Pinduka worked with his council to provide land for another clinic.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa