Zanu-PF seeks closer ties with clergy

ZANU-PF's Commissariat Department Director, Davison Gomo, has reiterated the ruling party's commitment to fostering closer ties with the church, acknowledging its vital role in promoting peace, unity, and national development.

Speaking at the Indigenous Clergy Conference held at Voice of God International Church in Bulawayo last week, Gomo emphasized the importance of religious coexistence and collaboration between the government and the church. The conference, organized by the Council for Churches in Africa (CCA), gathered clergy members from various Christian denominations.

"What's important is to coexist and live together peacefully, and each of those groups in terms of their religious disposition must simplify the space and be respected for exactly what they are," Gomo said.

He added that ZANU-PF is actively working to create a space where the church and the state can collaborate closely to achieve political stability and economic development in Zimbabwe.

"The church plays a very important role in development, social cohesion, and cultural unity. When there is a lack of consensus between the fundamental beliefs of the State and the church, a lot of other subjects arise," Gomo said, underscoring the importance of unity and mutual respect between the church and the state.

The conference comes at a time when the clergy has been a strong advocate for dialogue, peace, and stability in a country grappling with socio-political unrest and economic challenges. Ahead of the 2023 elections, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and other ZANU-PF leaders were seen visiting various churches to seek prayers and votes, signaling a deepening relationship with the religious community.

Gomo further called on the clergy to continue praying for the peace and prosperity of the nation, highlighting the role of Christianity in ensuring peace.

"If you want to ensure that there is peace in this country, it has to be backed by very active Christianity," he added.

CCA president Rocky Moyo also addressed the gathering, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the church and ZANU-PF, noting that indigenous churches have supported the party for decades, even during the liberation struggle.

"The church has been there in times of the liberation struggle. The church was there to bring comfort, pray, and cook for them," Moyo said. "It's not the first time that the church is involved with political parties, mainly the ruling party. We have been working together since inception, hence calling on the government to honor the bishops who were there during the struggle."

The indigenous clergy continues to play a significant role in shaping the political and social landscape of Zimbabwe, and both ZANU-PF and church leaders are focused on strengthening their partnership to advance peace, development, and national unity.