THE church has been urged to play its part in bringing people together and help push the Government’s developmental agenda while instilling good virtues in the youth so that the country has an upright future leadership.
This was said by the Association of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe as they celebrated their 22nd anniversary along with other indigenous churches in Bulawayo yesterday. The anniversary saw a sea of congregants from Zion, Pentecostal, and other Apostolic sectors joining hands and encouraging unity among churches.
They also pledged their support of the economic development initiatives that signposts to the attainment of an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
“The reason for this gathering here today is to celebrate the Lord as an indigenous church, teaching the community to have passion for the things of the Lord, as well as ensuring we instil the correct values in our youths. We also want to encourage unity while empowering indigenous churches and Christians in general spiritually, physically and intellectually. Our main aim is to encourage and maintain unity in worshipping the Lord and to also encourage indigenous churches to know and support our Government as the word of God tells us to humble ourselves and respect our leaders,” he said.
Vice National chairman for VaPostori for Economic Development Archbishop Tsungai Vushe said the reason why they were teaching unity as VaPostori was because back then their leaders used to struggle to worship because there were too many restrictions and no much freedom but with the Second Republic, they were much appreciated and were given a lot of opportunities and protection by the Government.
“Long ago in our Apostolic sect, a lot of people were backward as they thought that supporting the Government was being involved in politics. There was a bold demarcating line between the two and they would not necessarily borrow from each other, but now things have changed.
“The church is seen pushing Vision 2030 which was brought by our President Mnangagwa, while Government has continued consulting the church on various socio-economic issues. Madzibaba Mozi and some of our leaders thought that it is important to start the VaPostori for Economic Development campaign and the aim is to prove that indigenous churches do support the economic development of this country. We encourage VaPostori and everyone to continue supporting the Government and vote for President Mnangagwa to ensure that we get more opportunities to work with our hands and also to protect our freedom of worship that we have,” he said.
The gathering was attended by Zanu-PF provincial chairperson for Bulawayo Cde Jabulani Sibanda, among other dignitaries. – Sunday News
