The Sunday Mail
Bethesda Apostolic Church leader Archbishop Loveless Manhango founded his church in September 1952.
He has witnessed the transition from colonial rule to Independence. Below, he shares his views.
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Q: Is there hope for Zimbabwe given the challenges we have faced over the years?
A: Indeed, there is hope for Zimbabwe. Celebrating Independence itself means a lot for the church and everyone else despite the problems we have faced as a nation over the past 41 years. Independence has a great meaning for the founding fathers of indigenously founded churches, like myself, who were persecuted, tortured and detained without trial by the Smith regime. The colonial era made it very difficult to preach the Good News of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. However, through Independence, everything changed. Self-rule opened room for indigenous churches to participate in national development as partners with Government. And, in the recent past, there has been further improvement in our interaction with Government. Of special note is the big role played by the church in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. We have been offering prayer and helping disseminate information around Government policies and measures to fight the spread of the disease. Tracing back from 1980, there were very few churches pre- and post-Independence but as years went by, we see more churches emerge.
Q: From your operations, which area do you feel needs Government’s urgent attention?
A: Some areas have remained rigid. We are calling upon the Government to provide stands to enable indigenous churches to build worship centres in order to stop open-air services, which are an environmental and health hazard. Provision of farms to churches will help in creating income-generating projects and also boost food production for the nation.
Q: What are the signs that we are moving in a positive direction?
A: When Government gives church a voice on developmental issues, it means they realise the need for a voice of reason. That alone is a huge sign. Whatever or whoever you are in society, everyone belongs to a certain religion. That religion is there to play a big role in moulding you as an individual, meaning to say if you are morally upright, then you know the correct direction and you will be able to positively pull with the rest of the nation.
Q: At 41, we still have some aspects we are not getting right, how can this be corrected?
A: There is a greater need for Zimbabwe to recognise the special position occupied by the church in raising law-abiding, morally upright God-fearing citizens. The importation of foreign cultures has heavily compromised our amazing culture. The past 41 years have seen the growth of a ‘new’ culture of drug abuse, the collapse of the family, crime and various other social ills. The church has a big role to play as it is a platform for teaching and building people with a culture conducive to developing our nation. Whilst it is the responsibility of the political leadership to lead the country, the church should also be allowed to contribute and play a role in nation-building.
Q: How has our social fabric changed over the years?
A: First of all, it should be noted that an intact social fabric is key in creating a prosperous nation. The spirit of Hunhu/Ubuntu is essential in every aspect. Hunhu means togetherness. When one does not have that spirit, they simply cannot be law-abiding. They cannot protect Government policies and they will not realise the importance of praying for one another or for the nation. This is something that has devoured the nation and we need to come together as church leaders to find a way around that. I implore upon the Zimbabweans to remain united, shun tribalism and crime as we celebrate our Independence. Independence is for all Zimbabweans irrespective of race, colour, tribe or creed. We must all resist efforts by our detractors to divide us on any ground. More important is the call for our nation to turn to God and call upon His name to save our nation from all social ills we face.
Q: In your opinion, who should determine the direction a country needs to take?
A: Direction is determined by us as Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation, church or tribe. At the end of the day, we are branches on one tree and whatever good or bad that comes it affects us directly or indirectly.
