Gibson Mhaka
RELIGIOUS leaders from 36 African countries who attended the Pan-African Religious Leaders Assembly Summit in Bulawayo have hailed Zimbabwe’s hospitality, describing the country as peaceful and welcoming, while pledging to strengthen cooperation among churches and governments.
The delegates said the warm reception they received, coupled with Bulawayo’s attractive environment, had made their stay memorable, with some expressing a desire to return to Zimbabwe for future engagements.
They spoke during the closing ceremony of the five-day summit on Saturday, which brought together religious leaders from across Africa under the theme: “Rise up: From dependency to self-sufficiency every nation is built by its own people.”
The summit, which began last Tuesday was opened by Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube.
It focused on strengthening the role of churches in economic empowerment, social development and continental unity, with delegates resolving to deepen partnerships with governments and other stakeholders.
Apostle Enoch Valentine Miracle, president of the Council of Churches in Africa Cameroon chapter, said the hospitality extended to delegates had made Zimbabwe feel like a second home.
“We are here in Zimbabwe for the Pan-African Religious Leaders Assembly Summit, and the experience has been a blessing, particularly because of the warm hospitality we have received.
“I think Zimbabwe is going to become my second home. At PARLA, we stand together in the fight against corruption and injustice, while giving hope to the hopeless,” he said.
Apostle Miracle said the organisation was also helping young people transform their lives, particularly those struggling with drug addiction, adding that the summit had provided an important platform for religious leaders to share experiences and strengthen their collective mission.
Pastor Mary Nampungwe, from Kabwe in Zambia, said the summit had been successful, with delegates discussing issues affecting churches and communities and adopting resolutions they intend to present to their respective governments.
“The conference has been very successful. We have discussed several issues and come up with resolutions that we intend to present to our respective governments because the church and the government are partners in development,” she said. Pastor Nampungwe said discussions also covered agriculture and artificial intelligence, with delegates examining the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies.
She urged responsible use of AI and social media, warning that information shared online could either benefit users or expose them to harm.
On Zimbabwe’s hospitality industry, she commended hotels in Bulawayo and encouraged more people to visit the city.
“I encourage people to visit Bulawayo. Make the City of Kings and Queens your next destination,” she said.
Apostle Beatrice Bueger of the United Christian Church in Sierra Leone said the summit had helped unite religious leaders who had previously operated in fragmented settings.
“We came here as one African family because Africa’s religious movement has been so divided, with limited unity among religious leaders.
“Through the Council of Churches in Africa, we have come together to unite African religious leaders so that we can work as one,” she said.
Apostle Bueger said the lessons learnt would be taken back to participating countries to benefit churches, communities and national development.
She also praised the people of Bulawayo for their friendliness and welcoming attitude towards foreign visitors.
Archbishop Dr Rocky Moyo, president of PARLA and the Council of Churches in Africa, said the summit had underscored the need for closer collaboration between churches and governments in addressing challenges facing African societies.
“Everyone is happy with Zimbabwe. Those who travelled by road are also very happy,” he said.
Dr Moyo said churches should move beyond ceremonial roles and become active partners in national development by contributing to initiatives such as building schools and hospitals and supporting economic activities.
“The church has a large following, and we want to play a more active role in the development of our countries. We do not want the church to be involved only when we are invited to offer opening or closing prayers. We want to participate meaningfully in planning and implementing development initiatives,” he said.
Delegates had also discussed supporting their governments and national leaders in pursuing development, while emphasising the importance of cooperation between religious institutions and public authorities.
The summit concluded with a call for African churches to promote self-sufficiency, unity and practical partnerships that improve the welfare of communities across the continent.
Source: African church leaders hail Zim hospitality, peace – herald
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