Source: Churches critical in nation building — VP Chiwenga | The Sunday Mail
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga engages in conversation with Catholic bishops and main celebrant and president of IMBISA Archbishop of Windhoek-Namibia, His Grace Liborious Nashenda (immediate right), from the region during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) in Harare, prior to a special mass commemorating the occasion yesterday Mukudzei Chingwere
GOVERNMENT has emphasised the crucial role that the Church plays in community and nation-building, commending church leaders for their unwavering commitment to addressing social injustices, combating poverty and providing essential humanitarian aid to marginalised groups.
This was said by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga when he addressed the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa (IMBISA) in Harare yesterday.
The Vice President, himself a devoted Catholic, represented President Mnangagwa at the celebrations, where he reiterated that the Church’s influence extends beyond spiritual guidance, positioning it as a pivotal force in socio-economic progress.
“The Church’s role in community and nation-building is indispensable, with bishops like you at the forefront of efforts to address social injustices, combat poverty and provide vital humanitarian aid,” said VP Chiwenga.
“You mobilise your congregations to engage in outreach programmes, ensuring that marginalised and vulnerable members of society are not overlooked.
“I encourage you to continue using the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa as a platform to strengthen relationships across boundaries, fostering the sharing of resources, knowledge and experiences that advance your collective mission.
“As we embark on the path toward sustainable development in Zimbabwe and the broader Southern Africa region, the Church, under the guidance of its bishops, holds a unique and powerful position to influence both spiritual and socio-economic progress.
“The principles of stewardship, care for creation and social responsibility are essential to advancing peace, unity, equality, environmental sustainability and economic stability.”
As the bishops prepare for the upcoming Plenary Assembly in Eswatini, VP Chiwenga implored them to reflect on their achievements and adapt to the evolving challenges of today’s society.
He highlighted the importance of aligning faith-based initiatives with Sustainable Development Goals to cultivate a sustainable future for both the environment and humanity.
“By aligning our faith-based initiatives with the Sustainable Development Goals, we can forge a holistic approach that nurtures both the soul and the environment, laying the foundation for a brighter, more equitable future for all,” said VP Chiwenga.
The Jubilee celebrations, marking 50 years of IMBISA, served as a reminder of the Church’s longstanding commitment to the well-being of humanity.
Since its establishment in 1975, with Zimbabwe hosting its inaugural assembly in 1984, IMBISA has fostered cooperation among churches in Southern Africa, promoting shared resources and collective missions.
As the Church and Government seek to address pressing issues such as health, education and social justice, VP Chiwenga emphasised the need for a united front.
“Together, we can build a brighter future for Southern Africa, guided by our shared values of love, respect and dignity for every individual,” VP Chiwenga added.
“As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee, let us renew our commitment to our shared mission.
“The challenges we face, while formidable, are not insurmountable when we join hands in cooperation and compassion.
“Let us continue to work together, Government and Church, to promote health, education and social justice for all.”
The celebration not only marked a significant milestone for IMBISA but also reaffirmed the Church’s vital role as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for positive change in the region.
The main celebrant and president of IMBISA, Archbishop of Windhoek-Namibia, His Grace Liborious Nashenda, underlined the importance of collegial union of churches.
“As we reflect on our path so far and look to the future, let us continue to walk together in solidarity, guided by the Christ teachings . . . which say if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together, or go in a group, and we want to go far as a group.
“Our region faces many challenges and problems, some caused by nature and others by men,” said Archbishop Nashenda.
He highlighted problems such as forced migration, corruption and conflicts.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Zimbabwe, Archbishop Janusz Urbanczyk, encouraged bishops all over the world to forge communions of solidarity.
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