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A High Court judge has called for the enactment of laws that make it mandatory for founders of new churches to be holders of at least certificates in theology to curb abuses perpetrated by bogus religious leaders.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva said that there should be strict requirements for the formation of new churches to eradicate cases of child sexual abuse and early child marriages.
He was speaking during the official opening of the 2023 Legal Year on Monday. The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/regulate-churches-to-curb-child-abuse-judge/">Chronicle</a> quoted Justice Takuva as saying:
<blockquote>
The legislature, in my view, should consider introducing a draft law on religious freedoms and worship to discipline some behaviour and excesses of certain religious denominations.
The new law may provide for the requirements for the registration of a new religious organisation.
It would be of some assistance in my view to have as a requirement for the establishment of a new church, that its leaders must at least hold a certificate in theology.
The question then becomes whether or not it is desirable for the State to regulate the activities of certain religious groups and churches in this country.
In my view, the State should step in to regulate the activities of those religious groups or institutions with obscure purposes for example those which promote child marriages and child sexual abuse.
</blockquote>
Some churches, especially white garment religious sects, have been accused of abetting the sexual exploitation of young women by turning a blind eye to early child marriages.
Early child marriages are prohibited in the country in terms of the law and the New Marriages Act.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

High Court Judge Wants Church Founders To Have Theology Certificates

Churches under the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) are urging eligible citizens to register to vote in the upcoming general elections.
The churches have incorporated the “Pray, Register to vote and Vote” theme into their main Sunday programmes.
ZCC general secretary Wilfred Bimingo told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200008447/churches-join-voter-registration-blitz">NewsDay</a> that Christians should understand that voting is a God-given right. Said Bimingo:
<blockquote>
Previous elections in the country have been violent and it had distanced the people of Zimbabwe, including Christians, from the electoral process.
We launched this campaign to educate and encourage people to vote, especially in the upcoming elections.
It does not focus on registration alone but on all other electoral processes. We are targeting young people.
People should exercise the democratic right to vote, which also is a right given by God.
We have seen an improvement in the participation of Christians in electoral processes following the launch of this campaign.
</blockquote>
According to ZEC, 5 804 975 people were on the 2023 voters’ roll as of April 2022, against an eligible voter population of 8 738 628.
ZEC is set to conduct its last voter registration blitz that will run from 12 to 21 March 2023.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pray, Register To Vote And Vote - Churches

Mothers who are members of Apostolic sects, who are referred to as madzimai, have resorted to sneaking to clinics behind their husbands’ backs to vaccinate their babies against measles.
Some Apostolic sects consider vaccination taboo and forbid members from getting medical care insisting that all their health problems are solved through prayers.
Adherents put their faith in prayer, holy water and other measures to ward off disease or cure illnesses.
Zimbabwe has been grappling with a deadly measles outbreak since April 2022 which has killed more than 700 children across the country.
Many were unvaccinated because of religious reasons, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said.
At Mbare Polyclinic in Harare, some women were taken to the back room to get their children vaccinated in secret, and in defiance of religious doctrine that forbids them from using modern medicines.
Lewis Foya, a nurse at the clinic told The Associated Press that the advent of the measles outbreak saw children dying so they are now coming secretly to get help. He added:
<blockquote>
They have a belief that if they get vaccinated, they become unholy so that’s the doctrine that they pass down to the women.
</blockquote>
Foya said the patriarchy in the church means women have “no power to openly say no” to instructions.
As a result, to save their children, some mothers visit clinics in secret, sometimes under the cover of the night and without their husbands knowing.
At the Mbare clinic, one mother who identified herself as Winnet Musiyarira said people had learned from the vaccine hesitancy prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said:
<blockquote>
A lot of people were misinformed during that COVID-19 period because they were told that when you get vaccinated there will be after-effects.
So due to that a lot of people lost their lives and it was important for everybody to take that seriously.
So when I heard about measles I just said I have to take my kids to the hospital and get them vaccinated.
</blockquote>
Musiyarira said she wasn´t a member of a religious group but some were women wearing matching white headscarves to indicate they are part of an Apostolic church and were at the Mbare clinic to get their children vaccinated secretly.
The women, however, declined to speak to The Associated Press for fear of reprisal from church leaders. | <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-11238093/Secret-vaccinations-help-Zimbabwe-mothers-protect-children.html">MailOnline</a>

"Madzimai" Vaccinate Children Secretly In Defiance Of Church Doctrine

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has indirectly suggested that opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa is mentally challenged and will never become the country’s president.
Addressing a church gathering at Johane Masowe Vadzidzi VaJesu shrine in Madziva, Mashonaland Central Province on Thursday, Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>
When a mother gives birth to a mentally-challenged child, she does not starve him to death. They will continue to give him food.
We also have a madman in our midst who thinks that Zimbabwe will be developed by the British or Americans.
We cannot stop him, but he will continue to bark without ruling.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF has in the past alleged that the country’s main opposition parties are puppets of the West and work to advance the interests of the country’s erstwhile colonisers.
Mnangagwa has been meeting churches in what analysts believe is part of a wider campaign strategy but he denies that he visiting places of worship to get votes. He said:
<blockquote>
People think that I am doing this for votes, but I know that as a President, you can only rule on earth.
Our earthly kingdom has a lifespan, so I am doing this so that I will have a place in heaven.
If you vote against Zanu PF, you are going against God.
This is the party sent by God to liberate the people of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the leader of Vadzidzi VaJesu, Ishmael Magodi, revealed that part of the church’s “decalogue” is allegiance to ZANU PF. He said:
<blockquote>
One of our 10 commandments is that you have to support ZANU PF to be our member. We are promising to give you one million votes.
</blockquote>
University of Zimbabwe (UZ) political science lecturer, Eldred Masunungure, believes love for power, and for the Bible is pushing Mnangagwa to visit churches. He said:
<blockquote>
This goes to show the enormous and increasing power of the religious factor, particularly the indigenous African churches as well as the Pentecostals.
Remember, according to the recent Afrobarometer survey (March-April 2022), 90% of Zimbabweans declared that they are Christians.
This is coupled with the fact that religious leaders are by far the most trusted among public figures, with 71% of adult citizens saying they trust them compared to the next most trusted institutions, traditional leaders who attract 58% trust levels.
In short, the first family – President and First Lady – have their fingers on the pulse.
But, let’s be clear: it’s not for the love of Jesus or the Bible but for the love of power that proximity to religious figures yields.
Also note that traditional leaders have long been targeted and are now in the fold, and so are many other socio-political demographic groups.
This is all part of a total strategy that leaves no stone unturned on the road to retaining State House.
</blockquote>
A recent Afrobarometer survey indicated that if elections were held at that juncture, 33% of the respondents were going to vote for Chamisa while 30% would vote for Mnangagwa.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2022/08/chamisa-a-mad-man/">NewsDay</a>

"Chamisa Is A Madman," Mnangagwa Tells Apostolic Sect Congregants

University of Zimbabwe (UZ) political science lecturer, Eldred Masunungure, said that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been canvassing political support in the church to prolong its stay at State House.
Unnamed senior ZANU PF officials recently told The NewsHawks that Mnangagwa and the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa have decided to harvest support in churches following an Afrobarometer survey report released in June this year.
The Afrobarometer report indicated a rise in the popularity of CCC leader Nelson Chamisa against waning support for Mnangagwa.
The key finding of the survey was that if elections were held at that juncture, 33% of the respondents were going to vote for Chamisa while 30% would vote for Mnangagwa.
Speaking to The NewsHawks, Masunungure said the First Family is now frequenting churches not for the love of Jesus but for love of power. He said:
<blockquote>
This goes to show the enormous and increasing power of the religious factor, particularly the indigenous African churches as well as the Pentecostals.
Remember, according to the recent Afrobarometer survey (March-April 2022), 90% of Zimbabweans declared that they are Christians.
This is coupled with the fact that religious leaders are by far the most trusted among public figures, with 71% of adult citizens saying they trust them compared to the next most trusted institutions, traditional leaders who attract 58% trust levels.
In short, the first family &ndash; President and First Lady &ndash; have their fingers on the pulse.
But, let&rsquo;s be clear: it&rsquo;s not for the love of Jesus or the Bible but for love of power that proximity to religious figures yields.
Also note that traditional leaders have long been targeted and are now in the fold, and so are many other socio-political demographic groups.
This is all part of a total strategy that leaves no stone unturned on the road to retaining State House.
</blockquote>
Masunungure added that Mnangagwa&rsquo;s strategy to lure churches could garner votes for him in next year&rsquo;s elections. He said:
<blockquote>
The chances are extremely high, especially in respect of the above religious movements &ndash; indigenous and pentecostal&ndash; where often the word of the bishop is taken as a directive to the congregants and there is little to no room for dissenting voices and defiant actions.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF officials including Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and the First Lady have been frequenting countless churches.
On 16 July, Mnangagwa was in Mafararikwa at St Noah where he attended the Passover Service of the Johanne Marange Apostolic Church.
That same day, the First Lady and Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa were in Mutare, attending an Apostolic Ejuweni Jekenisheni church service.
On 2 July, Chiwenga was at the Catholic-run Monte Cassino Girls High School in Macheke.
On 7 August, Mnangagwa attended a service at Zion Christian Church at Defe Dopota. He was accompanied by the First Lady.
More: <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/afrobarometer-report-sends-zanu-pf-to-church/">The NewsHawks</a>

Love For Power, Not For Jesus Sends ED To Churches - Masunungure

An Afrobarometer survey report released in June this year has reportedly pushed ZANU PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa to canvass political support in churches.
The Afrobarometer survey report indicated that CCC leader Nelson Chamisa’s popularity was rising while Mnangagwa had lost considerable support since the 2017 military coup that brought him to State House.
The key finding of the survey was that if elections were held at that juncture, 33% of the respondents were going to vote for Chamisa while 30% would vote for Mnangagwa.
A ZANU PF insider who spoke to The NewsHawks said the Afrobarometer survey report unsettled the party’s bigwigs. Said the official:
<blockquote>
Number one (Mnangagwa) and other party leaders at our Harare headquarters where most of them are working full-time were particularly unsettled because in 2017 the same survey projected ED’s support at 38% and so coming down to 30% was a cause of concern for them. It was decided that the party harvest support in churches.
</blockquote>
Another ZANU PF insider was quoted as saying that the party was deliberately targetting churches to boost its support. The official said:
<blockquote>
It is not accidental that you see party leaders and government officials flocking to churches with huge followers to address them.
It’s part of a planned move in response to the Afrobarometer survey. The party now believes that it can regroup and bolster its support by wooing churches.
Our leader (Mnangagwa) himself is not a staunch Christian but he has been going to these churches and putting on different robes.
</blockquote>
ZANU PF officials including Mnangagwa, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa have been frequenting countless churches.
On 16 July, Mnangagwa was in Mafararikwa at St Noah where he attended the Passover Service of the Johanne Marange Apostolic Church.
That same day, the First Lady and Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa were in Mutare, attending an Apostolic Ejuweni Jekenisheni church service.
On 2 July, Chiwenga was at the Catholic-run Monte Cassino Girls High School in Macheke.
On 7 August, Mnangagwa attended a service at Zion Christian Church at Defe Dopota. He was accompanied by the First Lady.
More: <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/afrobarometer-report-sends-zanu-pf-to-church/">The NewsHawks</a>

ZANU PF Jolted Into Going To Church By Afrobarometer Report

Police in Harare have arrested five suspected armed robbers who were targetting mainly churches in and around Harare between March and July this year.
In a statement this Thursday, national police spokesperson, Assitant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said some of the suspects were arrested at Glenview Shopping Centre following a shootout. Said Asst Comm Nyathi:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of John Chizhanje (47), Panashe Kaseke (18), Ephraim Douglas Dube (54), Emmanuel Munemo (32) and Lazarus Mhishi (43) for a spate of robbery cases targeting mainly churches in and around Harare between March and July 2022.
On 18th July 2022, detectives acted on a tip-off and arrested John Chizhanje who implicated, Panashe Kaseke, Ephraim Dube, Emmanuel Munemo, Lazarus Mhizhi, Kudakwashe Mudzingwa alias Umbro, Kalisto Mavhima, Shonhiwa Mujuru, Brian Murape, and three other suspects only identified as TK, Sabelo as well as Eazy.
The Police tracked the suspects to Glenview Shopping Centre where they arrested Panashe Kaseke, Ephraim Douglas Dube, Emmanuel Munemo and Lazarus Mhishi after a shootout.
A Girsan 9mm Parabellum pistol loaded with a magazine of two rounds and a spent cartridge was recovered at the scene.
The suspects are clearing six robbery cases which occurred at different churches in Harare and another case where they pounced at a company in Highlands before stealing US$180 000 cash, eight cellphones and three laptops on 2nd March 2022.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified operations targeting robbery syndicates around the country.
The Police assures the public that they will account for all robbery suspects and ensure the law takes its course.
</blockquote>

ZRP Arrests Suspects Linked To Church Robberies In Harare

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has expressed concern over the manner in which the 26 March by-elections were conducted.
In its report titled “Ecumenical Election Observation Preliminary Findings on the 26 March 2022 By-elections”, ZCC noted that some opposition parties were barred from holding campaign rallies, while ZEC failed to handle the voters’ roll properly. Read the report:
<blockquote>
The Church noted that the political playing field remained unequal for political parties. Frequent suppression of some opposition parties was observed during the pre-election period.
The Church is concerned about this selective application of the law as it undermines confidence in Law Enforcement Institutions.
Some opposition political parties faced challenges in holding their campaign rallies across the country, as the police would either deny their applications or accept them with stiff restrictions or conditions, which would not apply to other political parties.
ZEC’s handling of the voter’s roll raised a lot of concerns before and during the elections.
</blockquote>
ZCC also noted that in Kwekwe, Mbizo Constituency, Ward 1 Mbizo Youth Centre Polling Station, a Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party agent was assaulted by an unidentified man.
There were also cases of assisted voters in all wards, notably, the 21 youths who were assisted voters at Ward 4 Matione Primary School in Chipinge.
ZCC said there was an increase in the number of returned voters due to a lack of identity documents (IDs), missing names and misspelt names on the voters’ roll.
Despite acknowledging positive strides made by ZEC in areas such as voter registration and gender sensitivity, ZCC said there is still room for improvement in the areas of voters’ roll management, polling station accessibility by PWDs and elderly voters.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.voazimbabwe.com/a/6510193.html">VOA Zimbabwe</a></h4>

ZCC Unhappy Over The Handling Of By-elections

The government has partnered with churches to drive the national vaccination campaign under a programme code-named Operation Marah.
Under operation Marah, churches can invite Government vaccination teams to vaccinate members against COVID-19 at church premises.
This comes after the Government last month relaxed COVID-19 restrictions to allow church gatherings for fully vaccinated worshippers.
Speaking at the launch of the programme on Sunday, Child and Health Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro said the acceptance of vaccination by almost all churches was a positive boost that would complement Government’s efforts to fight the pandemic.
He encouraged church leaders to continue educating and encouraging their members to be vaccinated for their safety and that of the nation.
Under the scheme, outreach teams will be assigned when churches have arranged members to assemble at a suitable central point for vaccination.
Deputy Minister Mangwiro reiterated that a second jab can be received in any town or area.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Inter-denominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) chairman Andrew Wutawunashe said the church fully supports the vaccination programme.
He said as a demonstration of the churches’ commitment to embracing the vaccination programme, bishops, pastors and leaders from several denominations had brought their congregants to be vaccinated.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-partners-churches-on-vaccination/">The Herald</a></h4>

Govt, Churches Partner Under "Operation Marah" To Vaccinate Christians

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has implored church leaders to encourage their followers to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, as well as urge them to get vaccinated against the disease.
Speaking during a virtual COVID-19 response workshop on safe funeral management hosted by ZCC in partnership with the Health and Child Care ministry, ZCC secretary-general Kenneth Mtata said:
<blockquote>
Faith leaders are crucial in dispelling myths and misconceptions around COVID-19. Of late, they have been instrumental in ensuring that believers have the right information on vaccines as well as promote uptake of vaccines within the church.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, on Wednesday Cabinet resolved that churches can resume services, but only for fully vaccinated congregants who have had both doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Congregants will also be required to wear masks, observe social distancing and sanitise on entry. Church leaders and congregants who breach the rules requiring double vaccination and other precautions will be arrested.
No limit was placed on the number attending a particular service, but previously the number was capped at 50.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/08/churches-should-champion-covid-19-fight/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Church Leaders Should Dispel Myths Around COVID-19 - ZCC

Religious organisations in Gweru, Zimbabwe&#8217;s third-largest city have converted factories into churches following two decades of deindustrialisation in the once economically vibrant city.
A survey recent survey by The NewsHawks revealed that the giant chimneys that used to discharge smoke now churn out religious hymns and prayers.
Gweru used to be home to thriving companies such as Zimcast, Fort Concrete, Radar Castings, Kariba Batteries and David Whitehead.
However, the firms have shut down in the past two decades, rendering thousands of workers jobless.
According to a recent ZCTU report, new players in the industry operating at full capacity included Chinese companies such as Jin An, Xin Yu and Nelson Holdings.
One Josphat Muroyiwa, who attended a service by charismatic preacher Walter Magaya’s PHD Ministries last Sunday on premises that used to house Cembee furniture manufacturers told The NewsHawks that rentals in the industries are lower than in some parts of the city, for example, the Central Business District (CBD).
Cembee used to employ hundreds of people who made quality furniture, but the building located behind Dairibord is now home to PHD Ministries’ Gweru church.
Gweru mayor Josiah Makombe said Council has offered churches facilities to conduct their services in, but they prefer closed industries. Said Makombe:
<blockquote>Although as a local authority we have facilities that can be hired by various organisations including churches, most churches however prefer to take space in the closed industries as they are cheap and affordable.
We also used to collect revenue through rates when the industries were fully operational, but now the situation has changed.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/gweru-factories-converted-to-places-of-worship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NewsHawks</a></h4>

Gweru Factories Converted To Places Of Worship

The government has banned religious organisations from holding their gatherings in schools in a move meant to protect teachers and learners from the coronavirus scourge.
Religious organisations, Christian denominations included, renting school premises have been told to find alternative places for their services.
The development was confirmed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communication and advocacy Taungana Ndoro. He said:
<blockquote>Yes, I can confirm that churches have been banned from using classrooms or school premises for conducting church services in line with measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move is meant to protect pupils and teachers.</blockquote>
This is the second time that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has banned religious denominations from holding services in schools.
Last year, Education Minister Cain Mathema banned the use of schools before the writing of the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) 2020 June examinations.
Meanwhile, Gweru Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe said many churches were now conducting their services in closed council beer halls.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/ban-on-schools-worship/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chronicle</a></h4>

Churches Banned From Holding Services In Schools

Exiled former cabinet minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has criticised MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa for urging the government to reconsider reopening churches under the current level 4 national lockdown.
In his address to the nation on Thursday, Chamisa, who is an ordained pastor and lawyer argued for the reopening of places of worship under strict regulations. He said:
<blockquote>We must allow churches to open for a controlled number of people provided there is social distancing, masking, and other Covid-19 protocols.
To our bishops, pastors, the church body, intercessors, and believers, we encourage you to continue to stand in the gap to pray for our nation.</blockquote>
However, Professor Moyo dismissed Chamisa’s call for divine intervention saying science should lead in the fight against the novel coronavirus. Moyo tweeted:
<blockquote>COVID-19 is a medical challenge of science that requires a scientific solution. Anything else is mumbo jumbo.</blockquote>
Moyo’s sentiments did not go down well with former MDC Alliance lawmaker for Binga North Prince Dubeko Sibanda who came out guns blazing in defence of Chamisa. He said:
<blockquote>Where’s science when people are dying in large numbers in the USA, UK, and EU?
Science works hand in hand with the spiritual? We can’t close out one while opening the other.
Why are supermarkets opening? Why are banks opening? Why are Zupco buses moving?
For the same reasons allow places of worship to open.
Then we demand strict adherence to the protocols.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday extended the national lockdown by another 10 days to the 15th of February.
As of 29 January 2021, Zimbabwe had 32 952 confirmed cases, including 24 872 recoveries and 1 178 deaths.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2021/01/29/jonathan-moyo-slams-mumbo-jumbo-chamisa-push-for-churches-reopening/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZimLive.com</a></h4>

Jonathan Moyo Lambasts Chamisa For His Call For Churches To Reopen

In a bid to intensify its fight against graft, Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC) has decided to rope in churches to help them fight corruption, the Daily News reports.
The development came to light yesterday at a workshop seeking to address the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) in which leaders from various church denominations were in attendance.
Speaking at the workshop, ZACC Chair Justice Loice Matanda Moyo in her lengthy address said;
<blockquote>Research has shown that 85 to 87 percent of Zimbabweans belong to a religious group. To this end, religion or the church is bequeathed with the responsibility to inculcate good values, including teaching the nature and effects of corruption.
From this research, it, therefore, follows that, in every institution, public or private, there are more people who are religious as compared to those who may not be. Thus, the religious people either participate in corruption or they choose not to report corruption
I have no doubt that senior government officials, civil servants, members of independent commissions, local authorities and even officials in the private sector are church members to various denominations which are ably led by pastors here present. It is, therefore, the role of the church to pray for us as leaders. If leaders are corrupt then churches should be blamed for not fulfilling their role.</blockquote>
<blockquote>We have all felt the social, economic and business impact of corruption in all sectors of our country. Many churchgoers are struggling to make ends meet in their everyday lives, and we feel the pinch of reality just like everyone else. Believers are not exempt from trials of this country and the world. We are living in perilous and drastic times. Drastic times call for drastic measures. There is just something about churches that society finds in times of tragedy and hardship.
Currently, we are facing this menace of corruption. People have lost hope; there is loss of critical moral values, increased poverty, broken families, drug abuse, loss of life, poor service delivery among others. However, the church should preach hope, and love. Once love is present, love for yourself and neighbour there is no room for greed.
The role and importance of the church in the community therefore cannot be overemphasised. The church is the lifeline of any society. It keeps people grounded and instils change in people’s lives. The church has to be involved in every facet of the life of a believer. I am sure that you may have noticed that people tend to flock to churches at the time of crisis be it personal or national tragedy.</blockquote>
ZACC has introduced a cocktail of measured to investigate, combat, and discourage corruption <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/07/22/zacc-commissioners-told-to-bare-their-teeth-and-not-act-like-toothless-bulldogs/">but it still has very few convictions.</a>
More: <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/zacc-ropes-in-churches-in-corruption-fight/">Daily News  </a>

ZACC Solicits Churches' Help In Fighting Corruption

The Zimbabwean government has allowed churches to continue holding their services under the more restrictive lockdown regulations.
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana said worshippers can hold service but should observe several health guidelines. He said:
<blockquote>For the avoidance of doubt, churches can hold services under the following conditions;</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
<blockquote>They should disinfect the premises before and after each service.</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
<blockquote>They should have facilities to wash hands or sanitise hands</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
<blockquote>Temperature checks</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
<blockquote>Everyone is masked</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
<blockquote>Physically distanced sitting</blockquote>
</li>
</ul>
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/police-disperse-5-000-sect-members/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Herald</a>, on Saturday last week police dispersed more than 5 000 members of the Johane Marange Apostolic Church who had gathered on the outskirts of Masvingo for their annual Passover ceremony.
The congregates were instructed to return to their homes after violating COVID-19 social distancing rules which do not allow a group exceeding 50 people to congregate.

Churches Permitted To Hold Services, Under Certain Conditions

Churchgoers countrywide have celebrated the government&#8217;s decision to allow congregants to congregate in groups of 50 ever since the lockdown started on 30 March 2020, The Chronicle reports.
Churches who had resorted to virtual services are happy to go back to worship at their congregation points as witnessed in this interview apostolic sect leader Madzibaba Mutumwa&#8217;s had with the publication. Mutumwa said:
<blockquote>We are grateful for the move by the President to allow churches to reopen. As the apostolic sector, to make sure that we comply with the regulations, we will do away with our previous way of congregating.
In terms of praying, we will not be laying hands on the heads of those who are being prayed for and as a leader who was getting congregants from as far as Botswana, South Africa and Mutare, that will not be the case as we will not receive any intercity congregants or people from outside the country</blockquote>
Another Bulawayo Church leader, Pastor Bruce Edwards of Kingdom Empowerment Centre also spoke to the publication and said:
<blockquote>We appreciate our President, Government and leadership and are more than blessed to have a Government that fears the Lord. The church is ready to go back and we’ll continue to abide by the requirements of the policies by the government to ensure safety of the saints and that of the citizens</blockquote>
Prophet Simbarashe Emmanuel of Magwegwe&#8217;s Shalom Believers Fellowship also said:
<blockquote>We are in the process of buying sanitisers and any other needed material in the fight against Covid-19. Thus we expect to start our services next Sunday</blockquote>
Prophet Tatenda Makasi of Destiny Life Ministries in Gwanda also shared the other leader&#8217;s sentiments and said:
<blockquote>New things will be incorporated within the church and we are working on engaging health personnel to come and teach people more about Covid-19 at our churches. We will hold our sermons almost daily so as to ensure all our congregants attend</blockquote>
Congregants also expressed their joy in knowing they will fellowship with fellow believers soon. The president urged churches to adhere to COVID-19 safety measures while in church.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/joy-as-church-congregations-resume/">The Chronicle </a>

Churchgoers Celebrate As Churches Re-Open

The government has identified churches, vocational centres and national youth training centres to be used as quarantine centres for returning citizens and residents.
Schools, colleges and universities are being used as COVID-19 quarantine facilities, but with the imminent partial resumption of lessons, returnees will no longer be accommodated at the learning institutions.
This was revealed by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa on Tuesday while speaking for the ad hoc Inter-ministerial Taskforce on COVID-19.
Mutsvangwa added that stakeholders were now working out the logistics for safe and secure conditions for children in examination classes to return to school and final year students to colleges and universities.
This entails rehabilitation and disinfection of the facilities after those in quarantine move out at the end of the quarantine period.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/schools-colleges-no-longer-isolation-centres/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Herald</a></h4>

Churches To Be Converted Into Coronavirus Quarantine Centres

Churches cannot be trusted to mediate between President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> and his rival MDC leader Nelson Chamisa as some pastors are actively promoting the polarization in the country.
Maxwell Saungweme, a political analyst, argued that in Zimbabwe there is an unhealthy religion-politics complex which disqualifies the clergy from being political arbiters. He said:
<blockquote>The Church actually reinforces conflict fault lines and polarization in the country. The country&#8217;s clergy is also politicians or political activists hence making them less credible actors to help in dialogue processes that can lead to finding common ground in Zimbabwe.
In very extreme cases we have seen members of the clergy contesting for elections, even for the presidency. There is an unhealthy religion-politics complex in Zimbabwe that makes our clergy not credible and impartial arbiters or conveners of political dialogue.</blockquote>
Recently, some church leaders under the Inter-Denominational Council of Churches banner met Mnangagwa at State House where they urged Chamisa to unconditionally accept the former&#8217;s legitimacy.
One of the &#8220;partisan&#8221; clergyman, Andrew Wutaunashe, who leads the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Family_of_God_Churches" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Family of God Church</a> said Chamisa should join the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Political_Actors_Dialogue" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD)</a> initiated by Mnangagwa where he is negotiating with 2018 presidential elections losing candidates.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/12/08/church-can-t-mediate-between-ed-chamisa" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Daily News</a></h4>

Church Leaders Not Qualified To Mediate Between ED, Chamisa

In order to pave way for economic and political reforms, churches have urged the government to suspend elections for 7 years Newsday Reports. Zimbabwe Heads Of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Christian_denomination">Christian Denominations</a> executive secretary<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kenneth_Mtata"> Kenneth Mtata</a> said this at a media briefing yesterday.
Mr Mtata said national unity was of paramount importance in addressing current economic and political woes:
<blockquote>It is in this light that the church leaders are proposing a national seven-year Sabbath period for the purposes of establishing an emergency recovery mechanism to address the dire national situation, especially for the most vulnerable communities, rebuilding trust and confidence by healing all the hurts of the past, developing a shared national reform agenda to deepen our democracy and establishing a shared and inclusive national economic vision.</blockquote>
Churches have been influential in calling for a <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/09/17/churches-condemns-abductions-national-dialogue/">national dialogue between President Mnangagwa</a> and Chamisa to resolve the economic meltdown.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/10/suspend-polls-for-7-years-churches/">NewsDay</a>

Churches Urge Govt To Suspend Elections For 7 Years

Indigenous churches have hailed the government for removing Section 40 from the Marriages Bill after it met with stiff resistance from organised religion.
The churches have condemned Non-governmental Organisations for attempting to force it into the country&#8217;s statutes.
Speaking during the ordainment of seven bishops of seven different indigenous apostolic churches, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=Apostolic_Christian_Council_of_Zimbabwe&amp;redirect=no">Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe</a> (ACCZ) executive moderator, Archbishop <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Johannes_Ndanga">Johannes Ndanga</a>, said:
<blockquote>We are aware that this did not come from government, but from international NGOs.</blockquote>
<blockquote>They were funding that because they thought they were protecting women’s interests, but they did not know that they were trying to protect one woman at the expense of the other.</blockquote>
<blockquote>That proposed arrangement of formalising infidelity was being done with the motive of destroying our culture.
They want our country to be like the United States, UK and other Western countries where women are now buying love by offering men huge sums of money to lure them into marriages.</blockquote>
<blockquote>These women are now targeting African men. Western countries usually push agendas and propose policies that are not suitable for us.</blockquote>
The controversial section was condemned by churches as an affront to the sacred institution of marriage as it recognised &#8220;shacking&#8221; as civil partnerships.
The cabinet then resolved to strike it off the Bill before its First Reading in Parliament.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/churches-hail-govt-for-striking-off-small-house-clause/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Herald</a>

Churches Laud Govt For Removing "Small House" Clause From Marriages Bill

Harare City Council said it will soon publish a list of churches that owe it millions in unpaid rates and lease fees amounting to more than $10 million.
Speaking to Daily News on Sunday, council corporate communications manager Michael Chideme said churches did not even attempt to clear their debts or make payment plans when the last list was published in 2017. Said Chideme:
<blockquote>Council will soon publish the names of church organisations whose unpaid rates and lease fees have accumulated over the past few years. The publication of the debtors list will help show which church organisations are using free land and not contributing towards service delivery.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/03/11/harare-to-name-shame-defaulting-churches">Daily News</a>

Harare City Council To Publish List Of Churches Not Paying Rent

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