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Gibson Mhaka
CHURCHES, particularly apostolic sects and Zionists, should promote gender equality by ordaining more women as bishops and in positions of influence, founding president of the Council of Churches in Africa (CCA) Dr Archbishop Rocky Moyo has said.
Speaking during the ordination of Bishop Nesiah Ncube as leader of the Christian Foundation Apostolic Church of God in Pumula South suburb in Bulawayo on Saturday, Dr Archbishop Moyo emphasised that women should be recognised as playing a significant role in building churches.
Bishop Nesiah Ncube succeeded her husband, Bishop Polite Ncube, the founder of the Christian Foundation Apostolic Church of God, who died in 2021.
“We are here at the Christian Foundation Apostolic Church of God, founded by the late Bishop Polite Ncube. His wife, Bishop Nesiah Ncube, is now succeeding him as leader.
“This is a momentous occasion, particularly given that some apostolic churches have been reluctant to embrace gender equality within their leadership structures.
“We wholeheartedly applaud this decision to ordain a woman as bishop. It acknowledges the vital role women play in building the church, not merely as passive members, but as active contributors to the growth of the body of Christ. This is a significant step towards greater inclusivity and gender justice within the church.
“This ordination is truly unique, and we encourage other Zionist churches in Zimbabwe to follow this inspiring example. These churches are a powerful force within our nation, and we are delighted that the Christian Foundation Apostolic Church of God is now part of the Council of Churches in Africa.
“We are committed to collaborating with them, the Government of Zimbabwe, and other African churches to promote inclusivity and gender equality within the church,” said Dr Archbishop Moyo.
He said as CCA they were happy that the Christian Foundation Apostolic Church of God was recognising that women also play a significant role in building the church.
“As the CCA, we are delighted that the Christian Foundation Apostolic Church of God recognizes the significant contributions of women in building the church. This is a positive step towards greater gender equality within religious institutions.
“Women have always played vital roles in the church, from nurturing faith within families to serving their communities. Their leadership and guidance are invaluable assets to the spiritual growth of the church.
“We commend the Christian Foundation Apostolic Church of God for recognizing this important truth and empowering women to take on leadership roles,” he said.
Speaking after the ordination, Bishop Nesiah Ncube said she was delighted as the appointment signifies a crucial step towards greater gender equality within their faith community and champions the cause of women’s empowerment within the church.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to the Christian Foundation Apostolic Church of God for the immense trust and confidence they have placed in me. To succeed my late husband, Bishop Polite Ncube, in leading this esteemed institution is a profound honour.
“I am particularly grateful for the recognition that women can and do play significant roles in the leadership of the church. This appointment signifies a crucial step towards greater gender equality within our faith community, and I am immensely proud to be a part of this positive change.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Christian Council of Churches for their unwavering support and for championing the cause of women’s empowerment within the church.”
“I understand the weight of this responsibility and I am committed to serving with dedication, humility, and integrity. I will strive to uphold the values and principles upon which this church was founded, while also embracing innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of our congregation. I believe that together, we can build upon the legacy of my late husband and continue to spread the message of love, hope, and compassion to the world,” she said.
Online Reporter