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ZCC Condemns \u201cUnacceptable\u201d Zanu PF Interference in Worship\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it describes as political interference in religious activities, after reports that churches in Mudzi District were urged to suspend Palm Sunday services in favour of a ruling party meeting.<\/p>\n
In a press statement dated March 28, the ZCC expressed \u201cdeep concern, strong displeasure and profound dismay\u201d over the development, warning that such actions threaten religious freedom and constitutional rights.<\/p>\n
Quoting scripture, the council declared, \u201cWe must obey God rather than men\u201d (Acts 5:29), as it rejected attempts to place political interests above worship.<\/p>\n
According to the ZCC, the communication allegedly issued in Mashonaland East Province is particularly troubling as it coincides with Palm Sunday, a sacred day marking the beginning of Holy Week\u2014one of the most significant periods in the Christian calendar.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis development is unacceptable and a direct affront to religious freedom,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
The council emphasised that the Church must remain a sacred and independent space, warning that any attempt to interfere with worship \u201cundermines both religious freedom and the dignity of citizens and constitutes an unwarranted intrusion into the life and mission of the Church.\u201d<\/p>\n
Citing Section 60 of the Constitution, the ZCC reminded authorities that freedom of conscience, religion, belief, and opinion is a protected right that is \u201cfundamental, inviolable, and must be upheld without exception.\u201d<\/p>\n
The organisation went on to \u201cstrongly condemn any action or communication that seeks to pressure churches to suspend worship services for political activities,\u201d while calling on political actors to respect the autonomy and sanctity of religious institutions.<\/p>\n
It also urged government authorities to uphold constitutional rights and encouraged Christians across the country to observe Palm Sunday and Holy Week \u201cfaithfully, without fear or intimidation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reaffirming its stance, the ZCC said it remains committed to promoting peace, justice, and constitutionalism, stressing that the Church must remain a non-partisan moral voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this critical time in our national life, we call for mutual respect between the Church and political institutions, guided by the principles of democracy, human dignity and constitutional order,\u201d the statement concluded.<\/p>\n
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