Church Leaders Reprimand Mnangagwa Over Controversial Constitutional Changes – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri– Zimbabwe’s leading Christian bodies have issued a strong pastoral warning over the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026, urging leaders to safeguard constitutionalism and protect the voice of citizens.

In a statement dated 27 February 2026, the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) said the proposed amendments raise “serious moral and constitutional concerns” and should not proceed without a referendum.

The church leaders acknowledged what they described as “genuine gains” under President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa, including economic stabilization efforts, infrastructure and agricultural projects, and international re-engagement.

However, they warned that constitutional amendments which extend terms of office or weaken democratic safeguards could undermine those achievements.

The clergy said the proposed changes could fundamentally alter the spirit of the 2013 Constitution, which they described as people-driven and home-grown. They expressed concern over possible extension of presidential and parliamentary terms without a fresh mandate, removal of direct presidential elections, restructuring of the Senate in ways that entrench dominance of the incumbent, weakening of electoral independence, and increased executive control over the judiciary and prosecution.

They further noted that bypassing a referendum for such far-reaching amendments would wound national trust and contradict prior commitments to uphold constitutional term limits.

The church leaders appealed directly to Members of Parliament to act according to their oath of office and decline to endorse the amendments. They also urged the President to consolidate his legacy by respecting constitutional term limits and allowing a smooth leadership transition after the 2028 elections.

Below is the full statement reproduced in its entirety:

Statement by Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations
PASTORAL STATEMENT
Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD)
On the Proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Bill, 2026

Date: 27 February 2026
Beloved sisters and brothers in Christ, fellow citizens, and leaders of our nation,
As shepherds of God’s people, we issue this pastoral statement in a season of testing as our government is considering the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Bill 3, 2026.

We speak to conscience, not partisanship, and to the common good entrusted to all who love this land. Guided by Scripture and prophetic witness in difficult times (Jeremiah 29:7; Micah 6:8; Matthew 20:25-28), we write to build peace, protect justice, and preserve the people’s voice.
We acknowledge genuine gains recorded under the leadership of His Excellency, President Emmerson D. Mnangagwa: efforts toward economic stabilization and growth, significant infrastructural and agricultural projects, and re-engagement to improve Zimbabwe’s international standing. These are foundations for a worthy legacy when anchored in constitutionalism.

Yet even with these positive strides, our nation continues to face deep and painful challenges: we have not fully benefited from our God-given mineral wealth; corruption remains entrenched in many institutions; public social services-health, education, and essential infrastructure-continue to collapse or underperform; and poverty and inequality are increasing, leaving many households in despair.

These realities call us to sober reflection, repentance, and renewed commitment to justice, stewardship, and accountability as envisioned in our national values and in God’s Word (Isaiah 1:17; Amos 5:24).
Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,” we, as the Church, address the proposed Constitutional Amendment (Bill 3), 2026, with a profound sense of moral responsibility.

This verse reminds us of our sacred duty to uphold justice, fairness, and integrity in all aspects of governance. As we consider the implications of these amendments, we are called to ensure that our actions reflect these divine principles, safeguarding the rights, well-being and shared future of all Zimbabweans.

As the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD), we affirm the Church’s historic and constructive role in shaping a home-grown and people-driven constitutional order: prior to the 2013 process, churches spearheaded advocacy for a people-driven charter through the 2006 Zimbabwe

We Want national vision document, which called for a home-grown constitution, political tolerance, and a shared national vision.

Building on this groundwork, we mobilised congregations nationwide to participate in COPAC outreach and stakeholder forums so that community voices informed the draft. These efforts are reflected in the 2013 Constitution’s affirmation of diverse religious values, robust freedom of conscience, and a Preamble that acknowledges the supremacy of Almighty God. We therefore recommit to safeguarding constitutionalism through prayer, reflection, discernment, civic education, non-partisan advocacy, and vigilant defence of the 2013 Constitution’s spirit and letter, particularly our national values, electoral system and the safeguards against entrenchment of power.

The proposed constitutional amendments raise serious moral and constitutional concerns as they fundamentally alter the 2013 aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe, particularly without going back to the people in a referendum.

We recall with a sense of pride our correspondence to His Excellency on 18 July 2024, in which we unreservedly commended his refusal to seek a third term of office or term extension. At that time, we celebrated this decision as a “sterling example of servant leadership” that honoured both the letter and spirit of Section 91(2) of our Constitution. To now proceed with amendments that would effectively bypass these very term limits—limits the President himself previously pledged to uphold—would not only contradict those honorable assurances but would deeply wound the nation’s trust and the moral standing of the Second Republic.

After prayerful reflection on the proposed constitutional amendments, we discern grave risks and are deeply concerned: the extension of presidential and parliamentary terms without a fresh mandate from the people of Zimbabwe; attempts to bypass entrenched constitutional safeguards that require a referendum for constitutional changes; removal of direct presidential elections; restructuring of the Senate in ways that will entrench dominance of the incumbent; weakening of electoral independence by reallocating core functions to presidential appointees; increased executive control over the judiciary and prosecution; and the abolition or dilution of key independent commissions.

Taken together, the proposed Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment) Bill 3, 2026, has far-reaching implications for the 2013 people-driven and home-grown Constitution such that it should not be enacted without a referendum. If passed, it will set a dangerous precedent for our constitutional democracy. It would narrow the people’s voice in governance and concentrate power in ways incompatible with the Constitution’s spirit, heightening the threat of conflict in the country.

We pray for discernment, moral and ethical leadership. Good leadership is reflected in a willingness to serve without attachment to position, building successors and leading smooth transition for a shared future of the country.

Holy Scripture charges rulers to defend the oppressed and enact just laws (Isaiah 1:17; 10:1), teaches that righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34), and that authority is a stewardship expressed in service, not domination (Matthew 20:25-28).

In that light, constitutional changes that extend terms of office, reduce citizen participation and weaken checks and balances contradict the moral order God intends for public leadership.

Moreover, these constitutional proposals stand at odds with the President’s own words. The President recently stated that he would respect the Constitution, entrench constitutionalism and not overstay the two 5-year term limit that ends in 2028. He stated that by doing this he will give the people of Zimbabwe the chance to choose new leadership. To proceed with amendments and bypass a referendum and remove direct presidential elections would wound credibility and imperil a statesman’s legacy that could otherwise be secured by a dignified constitutional transition following the 2028 elections.

Our Pastoral Call:
To all Christians, all people of faith, and all Zimbabweans: At this crisis moment, pray without ceasing for wisdom, courage, and peace (1 Timothy 2:1-2; James 1:5). Then engage your Members of Parliament respectfully and persistently—through letters, visits, and lawful civic platforms—to urge them to act with justice, mercy, and humility. Let your actions and voices be truthful, non-violent, and grounded in love (Ephesians 4:15).

To Members of Parliament: Your oath of office binds you to the Constitution and to the people of this nation. Parliament is a sacred trust, intended to serve the collective good rather than as a mechanism for extension of power. We appeal to your conscience to stand on firm moral ground and decline to endorse these amendments.

To His Excellency, the President: Do not be swayed by those persuading you with these deeply concerning constitutional amendments. Lead as a constitutionalist. Consolidate your legacy by conducting elections in 2028 and allowing the country to witness a truly smooth leadership transition. This path preserves the positive gains of your tenure and aligns with God’s call to rulers to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly (Micah 6:8).
Our Ongoing Commitment (ZHOCD):

We will continue to engage His Excellency and all stakeholders in a spirit of dialogue and national healing. We commit to strategic, non-partisan engagement across churches, civil society, traditional leaders, business, youth, and all citizens to ensure Zimbabwe advances toward constitutional democracy and sustainable development as aspired in NDS2 and Vision 2030.

May the God of peace grant us courage to do what is right, wisdom to preserve justice, and love to bind us together as one people. “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… pray to the Lord for it” (Jeremiah 29:7).

Amos 5:24: “But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.”

Issued by: Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) Bishops
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