Vapostori Back Controversial Amendment as Critics Warn of Political Capture of Churches – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent – The National Judicial Council of Vapostori (NJCV) has come under scrutiny after publicly backing the highly contentious Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill, raising concerns about growing alignment between religious groups and political power.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NJCV national director Madzibaba Obey Mapuranga said the organisation had gathered reports from across Zimbabwe and the diaspora before throwing its support behind the proposed constitutional changes—moves critics say risk compromising the independence of the church.

“We, the National Judicial Council of Vapostori as a registered religious organisation, have received the Ecumenical and pastoral reports, which include interpretations pertaining to this ongoing Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill,” said Mapuranga.

He argued that the amendment process is legally justified, stating, “Section 328 provides us with steps to amend the Constitution; therefore, it is lawful for the Zimbabwean people to amend their Constitution.”

However, the endorsement has sparked debate, particularly over provisions reportedly linked to extending presidential terms. Mapuranga acknowledged that church submissions supporting such changes had been recognised, saying, “The NJCV religious body has been furnished with these Bishopric reports and we noted the spiritual celebrations across the Shepherds of the people because their religious submissions for the Presidential term to be extended by two years to make it seven years have been heard by the Parliament of Zimbabwe.”

Observers warn that such statements risk blurring the line between religion and politics, especially as the group praised government performance in sweeping terms.

The NJCV’s Hierarchy of Truth Committee commended President Emmerson Mnangagwa for “doing well in developmental projects, food security, peace and national security, improvement of healthcare sector, agriculture, excellence in foreign policy, monetary stability, governance and freedom of worship.”

Critics argue that such endorsements reflect growing political influence within religious institutions, with concerns that churches may be increasingly used to legitimise controversial policy changes.

Despite assurances from the NJCV that the amendment process has been transparent and constitutional, questions remain over whether religious bodies should play such an active role in backing political reforms.

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