By ZBC Reporter
The relationship between government and the church continues to grow from strength to strength under the second republic as both pledged to continue working together for the good of the people.
The ecstatic prophets at Mapembe Shrine started to speak in tongues and all congregants were on their toes singing along with the guest, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, who was singing the song, Tirikuona Humambo Hwekudenga.
Minister Mutsvangwa says government remains committed to continue working closely with the church revealing that president Mnangagwa is highly appreciative of the great works by archbishop Mwazha and his church to promote African values and emancipation of the people as well as spiritual upliftment.
“The President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, is proud of the great works by Archbishop Paul Mwazha and his church. We want the church to remain united and as government we value unity. We want the work started by Archbishop Mwazha to continue and we look forward for support from the church. Archbishop Mwazha’s political convictions have remained consistent over the years. He was amongst the first six people to sign the petition against the illegal sanctions because he could not countenance grave injustices being visited upon the people of Zimbabwe by the vindictive West. He loves the African people and has religiously devoted his entire life to the African people and their cause.
Minister Mutsvangwa also spoke on the role of the church in improving the lives of the people urging church members to remain united in advancing Archbishop Mwazha’s legacy.
She added: “This church should continue to promote the legacy of archbishop Mwazha. We appeal for unity in promoting the word of God and the church leader’s legacy. We are happy with the cordial relations between the church and government as we work together to improve the lives of the people. Government can go it alone as people requires spiritual upliftment. We value the great work that you do.
“As we celebrate his life and divine commission, we pray for our country Zimbabwe and pray for its leaders and more so let’s all pray for His Excellency, President Mnangagwa. It’s not possible for government not to work closely with church leaders like Archbishop Mwazha and his church. This is because the work we do is complimentary. The leaders need the church’s spiritual support and therefore we work closely with the church.”
The church’s chairperson for publicity Bishop Gwatirera Javangwe assured government of the church’s continued support.
“Archbishop Mwazha always taught us to vote for Zanu PF. The church and government are one thing. I promise that we will continue working closely with our government. That’s our assurance.”
The attendance of the birthday celebrations by Minister Mutsvangwa follows a number of meetings between church leaders across the country and president Mnangagwa whose engagements continues to strengthen government relationship with the church.