Chronicle EditorPatrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE Zion Christian Church (ZCC) held a special prayer session to honour the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries as President Mnangagwa prepares to assume the chairmanship of the regional bloc.
The 44th SADC summit is scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe on August 17-18 at the New Parliament Building in Mt. Hampden, Harare.
Addressing over 300 000 members of the church and other delegates attending the conference at Defe Dopota Shrine in Gokwe South over the weekend ZCC leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi said with 16 presidents expected to attend the upcoming summit, the ZCC is proud to include SADC in their prayers, recognising the organisation’s significance alongside Zimbabwe.
The church, which has historically prayed for Zimbabwe during their mountain gatherings, is now expanding its prayers to include the SADC region, seeking a successful summit without any challenges.
This reflects the crucial role that churches like ZCC have played in shaping the socio-political, and economic landscape of the SADC region.
“As ZCC we are honouring SADC with prayer. We are proud that 16 presidents will be gracing the country with our own assuming the chairmanship of the regional bloc.
“SADC is as important as our country Zimbabwe. We used to just pray for Zimbabwe when we climbed the mountain but today we are also praying for SADC. We are praying that the summit goes on well without any challenges,” he said.
In the SADC region, churches such as ZCC have played a pivotal role in shaping the social, political and economic landscape. Their influence extends far beyond religious practices, encompassing a wide range of activities that contribute to regional development and stability.
While the upcoming SADC summit is set to recognise the crucial contributions of various sectors to regional development, it is imperative that the role of churches be equally acknowledged.
Religious institutions have a profound influence on society, often serving as pillars of community cohesion and moral guidance. Churches have further demonstrated a strong commitment to social welfare, providing essential services such as education, healthcare and humanitarian aid.
“The coming of the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit in the month of August, the same month we commemorate the death of Zion’s founding father Reverend Samuel Mutendi is of significance in nature. It shows that the summit will go on well,” said Bishop Mutendi.
He said he had invited President Mnangagwa to grace this event as the church prays for the successful hosting of the summit.
“As you saw we had drills and plays by our church members from some of these SADC member states and I had wanted President Mnangagwa to see for himself but he personally told me that he could not make it as he is busy preparing to welcome the other SADC heads of State and Government, as well as attending to some important events,” he said.
“But still, I am happy that he sent a huge delegation of ministers who are here today to commemorate Zuva raSamere.
“Today is a day of choice, you need to make a choice that will break a curse in your life. Some curses are generational just as some blessings are generational.”
The ZCC brass band played dances by the San of Botswana, Zulu of South Africa, Zambia, Suthu of Lesotho, Venda of South Africa in honour of the summit.
Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the Second Republic has forged a strong partnership with churches to drive socio-economic progress and transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy.
The synergy between the Government and religious institutions has far-reaching implications, creating a harmonious and supportive ecosystem that yields multifaceted benefits for society.
By working together, the Church and State are harnessing their collective resources and expertise to propel Zimbabwe towards a brighter future.
Online Reporter