08/11/2022
Background and Context
The need for an interdenominational council comes against a background of a call for the
Church to play a more visible role not just in its spiritual work but in the social, cultural,
political, and economic sphere of communities and the nation. Admittedly, the growing
number of churches and their spread geographically spanning regional and international
boundaries meant that a significant number of voices, are excluded from the existing
interdenominational councils. Indeed, the church has a history of contributing to uplifting
poor communities through its social welfare, provision of education and running of hospitals
among other basic services to humanity.
Our history spanning precolonial, colonial, and post-colonial tells of several difficult and trying
times in Zimbabwe where the church has been the voice for justice. In essence, the church
has played and continues to play a crucial role in the lives of individuals, communities, and
the nation albeit often overlooked and unacknowledged. Notwithstanding these efforts, the
church has had a limited role in governance issues. Some political leaders even proscribe the
scope of the church in public affairs as if there are aspects of life that do not need God.
Restricting the role of the church in public affairs has led to a growing gap between
communities and God. Most often the State has no place for God, and this is not good as
warned in 1 Samuel 2:12, “Eli’s sons were worthless men who didn’t have any time for the
Lord.” Un-godly acts have permeated society unchecked due to the limited role of the church
in governance.
Therefore, this proposed convergence of an inclusive interdenominational forces is meant to
give a unified voice for the excluded and voiceless inspiring hope that a better life is still
possible. As the Church we have an obligation to be inclusive across denominations in the
country and outside it and demonstrate our love of God by loving our brothers and sisters
(see 1 John 4:20-21 NIV).
Our Objectives
This interdenominational council seeks to:
(i) To promote God fearing and people-centred cimmunities that ensures justice for all.
(ii) Establish the voice of the church across spheres of life.
(iii) To promote the recognition of abathandazi in the public healthcare system.
(iv) To ensure the education system acknowledges, recognizes, and mainstreams Sunday
Schooling.
(v) To promote accountability and fair business practices that create prosperity without harm to the entire community and the world.
