The Sunday Mail
Kelvin Benjamin
GOVERNMENT has urged churches to embark on projects that promote self-reliance and shun the dependence syndrome.At a ground-breaking fundraising ceremony at St Matthews Catholic Church in Glen View, Harare recently, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Prisca Mupfumira said Government was committed to supporting churches that appreciated the importance of national development.“I have heard of some parishes that look down upon some clergymen simply because they are poor or do not have foreign donors to support them financially, especially in hard times like this.
“Let me remind you that this Government (led by) President Mugabe is ready to partner organisations with projects that foster self-reliance and promote the livelihoods of our local people,” she said. Referring to Pope Francis’ letter to the laity titled “Joy of Gospel”, she said, “In his letter Pope Francis described politics as a lost profession of charity and that should be a reminder to fellow politicians to serve the interest of the public.”
She added that Government was committed to providing education, and urged schools not to send home students who would failed to pay fees.
“We have under privileged children but they have the right to access education. I am a widow and to my fellows, (I say) let us strive to educate our children because it is a future investment,” said the minister.
Earlier in his homily, Father Afilgio Tunha denounced church executives who abused church funds. “When we are serving the Lord we need to bear in mind that it is not a competition for self enhancement, most leaders have a tendency of abusing church funds and we denounce them. Pasi nevanodya mari dzinenge dzabviswa mukuvakwa kwemachurch,” he said to the applause of congregants.
St Matthews Catholic Church was built in the post-Independence era and is building a chapel valued at over US$85 000. Minister Mupfumira donated US$1 000 towards the chapel’s construction as well as five tonnes of maize and groceries worth hundreds of US dollars for parishioners.
