Zanu PF Murakashi “Confronts” Church Leaders Over Constitutional Amendment Bill Criticism – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri– Zanu PF online activist Dereck Goto has sparked controversy after issuing a strongly worded statement directed at church leaders over their criticism of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

In a statement released on Friday, Goto accused the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) of overstepping its mandate by opposing the proposed constitutional changes, insisting that religious institutions should stay out of legislative matters.

“Dear Zimbabwe Council of Churches,” he said, “you have no business opposing Amendment Bill No. 3. None whatsoever.

Your interference in constitutional affairs is a brazen affront to Zimbabwe’s democratic order. Stay in your lane. Your mandate is souls, not legislation.”

Goto argued that constitutional reform is a normal process globally and insisted Zimbabwe is no exception.

“Constitutional revisions are routine across the globe – from the United States to South Africa. Zimbabwe is no exception, nor should it be,” he said.

He further claimed the church had crossed a line by engaging as an institution in political debate rather than as individual citizens.

“The ZCC did not speak as concerned citizens. It spoke as a Council of Churches, wielding its institutional authority to oppose a parliamentary process. That is not civic participation. That is an unambiguous overreach,” he said.

Goto also cited biblical scripture to justify his position that church leaders should not interfere in governance matters.

“Romans 13:1 commands: ‘Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, for there is no power but of God.’ First Peter 2:13-14 further instructs submission to every human institution established by law. And Christ Himself settled this matter with finality: ‘Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God what is God’s’ (Matthew 22:21),” he said.

He challenged church leaders to enter formal politics if they wish to influence constitutional processes.

“If you crave political influence, resign your collars and contest an election. Be accountable to the electorate as politicians are,” Goto said.

“Your current posturing blurs the sacred line between faith and politics, divides congregations, and wholesale abandons your spiritual calling.”

He concluded by urging churches to focus on their spiritual mission.
“Pray. Serve. Unite. Leave constitutional matters to those elected and mandated to handle them. I thank you,” he said.

The remarks have triggered debate online, with critics accusing Goto of intimidating religious institutions, while supporters argue he was defending parliamentary authority and constitutional processes.

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