Staff Reporter |A section of Zimbabwe’s church community has launched a prayer campaign that critics view as a counter to efforts by other churches to address the root cause of Zimbabwe’s problems. It is not the first time that Zimbabwe’s church voice has been divided at crucial times when the nation needs it most.
Churches over the past months have magnified their voices in calling for political change in the country, some have even been fasting (see here too) boldly telling President Robert Mugabe to his face to go. Among them Pastor Evan Mawarire and #ThisFlag campaign which has gone viral globally, has for instance been challenging head-on the root cause of the country’s problems which include rampant corruption among many.
In response Mugabe has of recent been on a war path openly attacking the church and even naming leaders, for instance the now exiled Mawarire. “So beware these men of God, not all of them are true preachers of the bible. I don’t know whether they are serving God, well, we spell God, double G.O.D they spell in reverse, ” Mugabe warned.
State media reports rather suspiciously that several church groups gathered yesterday in Harare to launch this yet to be understood, government blessed campaign, the ‘My Zimbabwe Prayer Campaign,’ which founders claim is meant to unite people and pray for Zimbabwe’s continued development.
The pastors are reported to have partnered with the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality industry under its Religious Desk, which is under Deputy Minister’s Ndhlovu’s purview.
The first meeting was apparently blessed by Minister Walter Mzembi himself, raising further questions on the purpose of the whole initiative.
The state media further reports that church groups mainly composed of youth, launched the campaign this Wednesday in Harare and organisers said they are now looking forward to take the initiative to all provinces throughout the country.