Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) President, Nelson Chamisa has blasted President Mnangagwa’s visit to the Zion Christian Church in Bikita during Easter holidays saying a true and honest separation between the State and the church is needed to avoid belittling of God and the role of the church in communities.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Chamisa said the church must be a place of unity and peace not politics.
“We are just coming from the Easter holidays and I am deeply pained by some of my colleagues in the political industry who continue to belittle God and the role of the Church in our communities.
“They have turned the church into platforms for rallies, in the process bastardizing the sanctity of the church. This past Easter alone, we saw hordes of politicians pontificating at church gatherings in the process desecrating the true meaning of Easter and the Church.
“The new Zimbabwe that I envision will be characterized by a true and honest separation between the State and the church,” said Chamisa.
He added that the State or any political party must never be allowed to contaminate, weaken and compromise the church.
“I am a firm believer in the autonomy and independence of the church which must as an institution continue to be the custodian of a country’s values and the true moral compass of a nation.
“The church must be a place of unity and peace. We have of late seen the church being reduced to a platform of hate and divisive language.
“The State or any political party for that matter must never be allowed to contaminate, weaken and compromise the church. Church capture must be vehemently resisted,” said Chamisa.
Mnangagwa who was accompanied by Vice President Retired General, Constantino Chiwenga were also said it pleases God to see a united people and in such an atmosphere development thrives.
Zanu PF politburo member and secretary for war veterans Victor Matemadanda also visited the Jekenisheni church during the easter holiday where he encouraged the church to vote for Zanu PF in the coming elections.
