The Sunday Mail
Nyore Madzianike
VICE President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has urged the church to preach peace during the forthcoming harmonised elections, saying the relationship between churches and the State is laid on a firm foundation.
Government, he said, is guided by the principle that the nation is diverse and, therefore, no tribe, class or religion must dominate or put itself ahead of others.
VP Chiwenga made these remarks yesterday while addressing congregants during a fundraising luncheon hosted by the Roman Catholic Mufudzi Wakanaka Marondera Parish, where he was guest of honour.
The Vice President said: “As you are all aware, Zimbabwe is now preparing for the 2023 harmonised general elections, which will be held in the next few months. I humbly call upon the Church to pray for peace, tolerance, love, unity and harmony amongst all people of this beautiful land, Zimbabwe.
“We need to maintain the prevailing peaceful environment so that we can sustain the developmental trajectory that has characterised the Second Republic led by the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.”
VP Chiwenga said the church should also pray so that the country does not have divisive elements that are contrary to values of the country’s national interests.
“Section 60 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe provides for freedom of religion. Government is guided by the principle that we are diverse, therefore, no tribe, class or religion must dominate or put itself before any or all.
“We shall always strive to guarantee freedom of worship in order to facilitate the work of the church to nurture morally upright and loyal citizens.”
He said the longstanding association between Government and the Roman Catholic Church dates back to the colonial era, where the church played an important role in bringing independence.
“We shall forever remain grateful to the Roman Catholic Church for the assistance they gave us during the fight for our liberation. To date, the church continues to play an important role in the socio-economic development of our country through provision of quality, affordable and accessible education for all, improving access to health care and embarking on massive agricultural projects,” he said.
The church is mobilising resources to upgrade the Mufudzi Wakanaka Parish, which has been upgraded into a diocese.
VP Chiwenga and his wife donated US$15 000 towards upgrading the church and pledged to purchase a car for the diocese’s priest.
Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Aplonia Munzverengi pledged to sink another borehole for the church.
Aspiring ZANU PF National Assembly candidate for Marondera Central Dr Cleopas Kundiona promised to sink a borehole, and provide a car, 20 000 bricks, quarry dust and solar panels for the new diocese.
ZANU PF Politburo member and chairperson for the Elders Council Dr Sydney Sekeremayi and National Housing and Social Amenities Minister Daniel Garwe were among senior party officials in attendance.
