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Zanu PF Murakashi \u201cConfronts\u201d Church Leaders Over Constitutional Amendment Bill Criticism<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDear Zimbabwe Council of Churches,\u201d he said, \u201cyou have no business opposing Amendment Bill No. 3. None whatsoever.<\/p>\n
Your interference in constitutional affairs is a brazen affront to Zimbabwe\u2019s democratic order. Stay in your lane. Your mandate is souls, not legislation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Goto argued that constitutional reform is a normal process globally and insisted Zimbabwe is no exception.<\/p>\n
\u201cConstitutional revisions are routine across the globe \u2013 from the United States to South Africa. Zimbabwe is no exception, nor should it be,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He further claimed the church had crossed a line by engaging as an institution in political debate rather than as individual citizens.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Goto also cited biblical scripture to justify his position that church leaders should not interfere in governance matters.<\/p>\n
\u201cRomans 13:1 commands: \u2018Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, for there is no power but of God.\u2019 First Peter 2:13-14 further instructs submission to every human institution established by law. And Christ Himself settled this matter with finality: \u2018Render unto Caesar what is Caesar\u2019s, and unto God what is God\u2019s\u2019 (Matthew 22:21),\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He challenged church leaders to enter formal politics if they wish to influence constitutional processes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you crave political influence, resign your collars and contest an election. Be accountable to the electorate as politicians are,\u201d Goto said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour current posturing blurs the sacred line between faith and politics, divides congregations, and wholesale abandons your spiritual calling.\u201d<\/p>\n
He concluded by urging churches to focus on their spiritual mission.
\u201cPray. Serve. Unite. Leave constitutional matters to those elected and mandated to handle them. I thank you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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