Terrence Mawawa Masvingo |Suspected state security agents recently confronted authorities at the Roman Catholic run Gokomere Central Primary School for conducting the Holy Mass ahead of the controversial National Pledge,it has emerged.
The National Pledge ,introduced by Primary and Secondary Education Minister ,Lazarus Dokora,is viewed by members of the Christian community as a deliberate attempt to dilute Christianity in Zimbabwe.
Authorities at Gokomere Primary School have expressed concern at the manner in which they were threatened by suspected state security agents over the holding of the mass ahead of the National Pledge . Authorities at the school said suspected state security agents confronted the school head for starting the school programmes by holding the Holy Mass instead of the National Pledge.
The head was threatened after explaining the Holy Mass was vital for the institution.
The revelation was made at a graduation ceremony at the school, Roman Catholic Head for Masvingo Diocese,Bishop Michael Dickson Bhasera expressed shock at the way the said government officials indicated total disregard for the Holy Mass.
“Recently the head was visited and asked why they began the proceedings at the school with the Holy Mass instead of the National Pledge.The head then explained that in the Catholic Church the Holy Mass was the foundation.Such an outlook calls for courageous renewal on the part of the Catholic school.Teachers and the responsible authority need to take a firm stance in defending the gospel,”said Bishop Bhasera.