Do not turn prophets into profiteers
By Taurainashe Manonge
The co-ordinator of the Council of Zimbabwe Christian Leaders (CZCL), Rev Qobo Mayisa has said that no political party has the right to groom clerics in-order to infiltrate churches and gain political favours.
Commenting on a statement released by the MDC, which accused Zanu PF of carefully infiltrating churches, Rev Mayisa said that prophets should not be turned into profiteers on account of corrupt officials who don’t want their evil schemes to be exposed. This is why true prophets were never popular with corrupt kings even in the scriptures, he added.
The statement released by the MDC condemns Zanu PF for targeting the church, coercing its leadership and further inflicting harm on religious practices by constantly interfering with the operations of the house of God”
Rev Mayisa candidly pointed out that churches must take a neutral stance, but being neutral does not mean that the church should be silent in the face of great evil.
‘Churches have a mandate to speak the truth clearly, cohesively and boldly without fear or any form of compromising’, he said.
Over the last two decades certain church leaders have outrightly supported the Zanu PF regime including individuals such as Rev Norbert Kunonga, Trevor Manhanga and Madzibaba Nzira amongst others.
In a democratic society everyone has a right to align with any political party or ideology of their choice, however many christians understand that the church should not pursue a particular political ideology but rather further the cause of justice, good governance as well as improve the welfare and wellbeing of people, communities and the nation.
Many sections of the society continue to argue that the church should take a neutral stance, by supporting or agreeing with any political party’s ideology churches will greatly compromise their mission.
Mayisa also said that even though the MDC are raising these issues they have in the past enjoyed the public blessing of certain church leaders and this may not necessary absolve them from some of the allegations they are making on Zanu PF.
Many Churches and para church organsations have done commendable work in Zimbabwe and it is only fitting that politicians should not interfere with the work that they have been doing. Organisations like the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), the Justice Peace and Advocacy (JPA) desk at the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) and many others who over the years have stood for justice and equity even with limited resources in a difficult environment.
Since the signing of the Global Political Agreement (GPA), pressure has been mounting on church leaders to be more proactive and have an influence on some of the policies that have long-term implications to the economic and political landscape of the country.
Most people still believe the church can be a voice of reason to reprove, advise and give direction to politicians most of whom seem to have been muddled up in corruption and self preservation at the expense of the country’s future.
Many Christians in Zimbabwe attest to the notion that righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people, (Proverbs 13v 4). Therefor to be found in support of those who perpetuate evil is denying the very principles of Christianity.
Reports of abuse still surround the mining of diamonds in the country a resource that is meant to benefit the people of Zimbabwe yet proceeds are allegedly going to the coffers of some Zanu PF loyalists and army chiefs whose intentions are largely regarded as sinister.
For many of these loyal supporters to the regime this is a way of consolidating their wealth as well as a means of funding another terror campaign in the run up to the next elections.
Thus, Rev Mayisa went on to appeal to Bishops, pastors, priests, and other religious leaders to stand up and exercise their moral and prophetic voice and sound an alarm in the corridors of power to give direction and reprove those that are unjust, repressive and corrupt.
