CHURCHES are allegedly holding gatherings at night in
defiance of a Government directive to avoid public gatherings during the
national lockdown period.
This was revealed by Zimbabwe Council of Churches
secretary-general Reverend Kenneth Mtata during the handover of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) to clinics and mission hospitals in Midlands last
week. He said churches must comply with the Government directive on measures to
control the coronavirus and avoid holding church services clandestinely and increasing
the possibility of transmission of the diseases.
Rev Mtata’s comments come against the background of reports
that some churches were holding services in their backyards while some were
holding night services which was in breach of the lock-down regulations. The
country, as of Friday, had recorded 42 confirmed coronavirus (Covid-19) cases.
Rev Mtata said churches should support the Government in its efforts to combat
Covid-19 which has become a global pandemic.
“We would want to urge all churches in Zimbabwe to comply
with the Government directive to suspend church services until we are sure that
we are safe from Covid-19. Reports that some churches are holding clandestine
services are not pleasant and we would want to urge them to comply so that they
do not risk people to Covid-19. We should all play a part in reducing the
possible spread of the virus,” he said.
Rev Mtata said churches should support and also extend
financial support to the Government not only in the fight against coronavirus but
also to help revive the economy. He said the church supported the revolution
during the liberation struggle and would continue to do so that Zimbabweans
will have a better life. Rev Mtata said it was incumbent upon the church to
unite people and maintain peace in the country.
“We should also start considering assisting Government
financially so that we revive the economy. The welfare of people is the
responsibility of the church. It is possible and we must not be afraid.
Zimbabwe Council of Churches was born in Gweru in 1964. Churches then rose up
against racism and colonialism. The church should lead in unity. Everyone who
is a Christian should drive the vision of the church to unite people. People
are looking for a day and a place where they are called people of God and not
identified by their political affiliation, race or tribes. It is incumbent upon
the church to unite the people and provide that place,” he said. Sunday News
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