Government Commends Church for Bold Move to Confront Abuse, Governance Gaps

HARARE – The Government has commended the church for taking what it described as a bold and visionary step to confront abuse, exploitation and governance deficiencies within religious institutions through the launch of the Zimbabwe Christian Ministers Association (ZCMA) Foundership and Governance Programme. Speaking at the launch in Harare on May 21, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Norbert Tichawona Mazungunye praised the initiative, saying it reflected the church’s willingness to introspect and strengthen accountability systems at a time when some religious institutions were facing increasing scrutiny over misconduct and abuse. “I wish to commend the Zimbabwe Christian Ministers Association, church mother bodies, and stakeholders for this bold and visionary undertaking,” Hon.

Mazungunye said in his keynote address. “Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 29:18 that ‘where there is no vision, the people perish.’ By embracing this programme, the Church demonstrates foresight and responsibility in ensuring that its institutions remain pillars of integrity and hope.” The initiative by the Zimbabwe Christian Ministers Association received backing from several church mother bodies and faith-based organisations, including the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Federation of Independent Churches, Apostolic Christian Churches of Zimbabwe, Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA), Zimbabwe Network of Churches, Association of Thological Colleges in Zimbabwe, National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue (NAMFED), Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, Patriotic Churches in Zimbabwe, Pastors4ED, Board of Christ United, Chaplains of Zimbabwe, Global Fellowship of Christian Chaplains, Bible League International, Working With People Trust, Working for All Trust and Together for All. His remarks placed the spotlight on growing concerns over abuses and governance failures within some churches, with Government openly welcoming the church’s attempt to self-correct through stronger internal systems.

In one of the strongest sections of his speech, Hon. Mazungunye directly addressed cases of misconduct within religious institutions, insisting that church leadership should never be used as a vehicle for exploitation. “We must also confront challenges with honesty.

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Cases of abuse and exploitation within some religious institutions are contrary to both biblical teaching and constitutional values,” he said. “The pulpit must remain a place of hope and truth, never a platform for manipulation.” The Deputy Minister stressed that ministerial authority carried moral and institutional obligations, warning church leaders against personal enrichment and unaccountable leadership. “Church leaders must uphold accountability and transparency.

Ministerial authority is a sacred trust, not a tool for personal enrichment,” he said. “Leadership must reflect servant-heartedness, and decisions must be guided by accountability structures within the Church, consistent with constitutional values of dignity, equality, and freedom.” Government, he said, viewed legal compliance by churches not as interference but as a safeguard for legitimacy, credibility and sustainability. “Compliance with the laws of Zimbabwe, registration, financial accountability, and labour standards is essential for legitimacy and credibility,” Hon. Mazungunye said.

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