The Church News Online

The Church News Online

Thursday, 10 September 2026

Sad: Missing Roman Catholic Priest Found Dead...

 

By A Correspondent| The search for a missing Roman Catholic priest has ended in tragedy following the discovery of his body at Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary.


Father Regis Chikuni, 58, a senior priest in the Archdiocese of Harare, reportedly went missing on September 5, prompting the Catholic Church to appeal for information from priests, religious communities and members of the faithful.


Four days later, on September 9, the Archdiocese confirmed the devastating news that Father Chikuni had been found dead.

In a death notice issued by the Archdiocese and signed by Archbishop Robert C. Ndlovu’s secretary, Father Ephraim Murwira, the Church said, "Tragically, he was found deceased at the mortuary of Parirenyatwa Hospital."


The announcement brought an abrupt end to efforts to locate the priest, with the Church now mourning his death instead of continuing the search for him.


Father Chikuni was remembered by the Archdiocese as a committed priest whose pastoral service had made a meaningful contribution to the Church and the communities he served.


Offering words of comfort to the Catholic community, the Archdiocese said, "We take comfort in our faith that Father Chikuni has returned to the loving embrace of our Lord."

The circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been made public.


The Archdiocese said details regarding his funeral and burial arrangements would be communicated in due course.

Wednesday, 9 September 2026

EFZ Maps Out National Advocacy Roadmap To Equip The Church For Transformation

  



Staff Writer- The Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe says strengthening the Church from within is the key to seeing lasting change in the nation.


In a statement last week, EFZ said its secretariat held an intensive strategy session to develop a national advocacy roadmap. The gathering focused on building capacity across the Fellowship’s network and membership structures.


"While we build capacity across our network and membership structures, strengthening our own internal foundation remains key to sustaining long-term impact," EFZ said.


According to the Fellowship, the new strategy is rooted in its biblical mandate. It directly aligns with EFZ’s overarching goal: equipping the Church to drive meaningful national transformation through prayer, engagement, and service.


EFZ leaders emphasized that a stronger internal strategy will translate into greater collective impact in communities, government, and society.


The roadmap comes as EFZ continues to mobilize pastors, congregations, and Christian leaders around its pillars of discipleship, good governance, and national healing.


"Stronger internal strategy leads to greater collective impact," the Fellowship noted, calling on believers to remain steadfast in prayer and action.


EFZ is using #PrayEngageBuild as it moves forward with the plan.


#Leadership #StrategicPlanning #NationalTransformation #EFZ #AdvocacyInAction




Tuesday, 8 September 2026

Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe Leads Intercession for the Nation

 


Staff Writer- The Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe [EFZ] says last week’s gathering was more than an event. It was a moment of national unity before God.

In a statement released following the prayer meeting, EFZ reflected on a time of coming together “with one heart and one purpose” — *To pray and intercede for Zimbabwe*. 🇿🇼🇿🇼

“A Nation United in Prayer, A People Standing in the Gap,” the Fellowship declared, describing the gathering as a collective act of faith and responsibility for the country.

Church leaders, congregants, and citizens from different denominations came together to lift the nation in prayer, seeking God’s guidance, healing, and peace for Zimbabwe during challenging times.

EFZ expressed gratitude to everyone who attended and stood with them.

“Thank you to everyone who came through and stood with us in prayer. God Cares!” the statement read.

The Fellowship emphasized that prayer remains central to the nation’s hope, calling on Zimbabweans to continue interceding for leaders, communities, families, and the future of the country.

The event adds to EFZ’s ongoing role in mobilizing the church to engage in spiritual matters affecting the nation, with a focus on unity, repentance, and God’s intervention.

Monday, 7 September 2026

Fungisai Praises Legendary Guitarist Zivanai Masango



Staff Writer- Gospel musician Fungisai Zvakavapano Mashavave has heaped praise on guitarist Zivanai Masango, describing him as one of the most outstanding and humble talents in Zimbabwe’s music industry.

In a message shared on Monday, Fungisai introduced Masango to churchgoers and music lovers, crediting him for his work behind some of her most celebrated projects.

“Churchpersons, please meet ZIVANAI MASANGO, the sole producer and lead guitarist of the _Tinokutendai Ishe_, _Toita Zvedenga_ and _Makomborero_ Albums,” Fungisai wrote.

She described Masango as “the most calm but outstanding talent I have ever known,” and urged her followers to show him support. “Mupei malove nemalikes,” she added.

Masango played a key role in shaping the sound of the three albums, which remain firm favourites among gospel audiences for their worship-driven lyrics and rich instrumentation.

Fungisai’s tribute highlights the often unseen contribution of musicians and producers who work behind the scenes to build the sound of gospel music in Zimbabwe.

Fans and fellow musicians have since flooded the comments with messages of appreciation for Masango’s skill, humility and decades of service to gospel music.

Saturday, 5 September 2026

GOD’S PLANS ARE GREATER THAN OURS

 



“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)


Jeremiah 29 was written as a letter to people whose hearts were not in sync with God’s plans. The exiles in Babylon wanted a quick escape, a sudden miracle, and an immediate return to Jerusalem. False prophets were promising speed, but God was speaking stability. While the people were planning survival, God was planning transformation. He told them to build houses, plant gardens, marry, and seek the peace of Babylon because their stay would not be short. Heaven’s timeline was different from human expectation.


This reveals the difference between our plans and God’s plans. We plan for speed, but God plans for stability. We plan for an escape, but God plans for endurance. We plan for quick recovery, but God plans for character. Sometimes we want God to remove the fire immediately, yet He allows the furnace because He is producing faith that cannot be destroyed. His plans may include a dungeon of fire and a den of lions, yet every painful season is still working for our good. Before His people arrived in Babylon, God had already walked before them. Their captivity was not beyond His control.


God’s plans are never random. Even delays are filled with divine purpose. The greatest proof of this is Jesus Christ. Humanity expected a conquering king, but God sent a suffering Savior. Through the cross came salvation, hope, and eternal life. Jesus is the perfect plan of God revealed to the world.


To God be the glory


Rev B Chinhara

Friday, 4 September 2026

ZCC Takes Evangelism and Soul Winning to the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show

 


The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) used the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show in Harare not only as a platform for economic empowerment, but also as an opportunity to advance evangelism, Christian witness and soul winning among people attending the annual exhibition.

Through its participation, the ZCC sought to bring the message of hope, faith and transformation into a public space where thousands of people from different backgrounds converge. The initiative highlighted the church's role in reaching communities beyond traditional places of worship and making Christ known through both word and action.

The ZCC also provided space for Zimbabwean returnees participating in its Home Office Returns and Reintegration Programme to showcase their businesses, interact with customers and explore new markets. The programme, supported by the UK Government, assists eligible Zimbabwean nationals returning from the United Kingdom to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

Returnees involved in the programme have established businesses in areas including agriculture, dairy farming, metal fabrication, manufacturing and food production. Their participation at the Agricultural Show demonstrated how restored livelihoods can become a testimony of resilience, dignity and renewed hope.

For the church, however, economic empowerment goes hand in hand with spiritual transformation. By engaging people in a public environment such as the Agricultural Show, the ZCC creates opportunities to share the Gospel, encourage people in their faith and reach individuals who may not ordinarily walk into a church building.

The initiative therefore presents evangelism as more than preaching from a pulpit. It demonstrates the importance of meeting people where they are, building relationships and using community programmes as avenues for soul winning and Christian ministry.

Through its continued engagement with communities, the ZCC is seeking to demonstrate the practical expression of Christian faith while pointing people towards hope in Christ and encouraging transformed lives.

Thursday, 3 September 2026

ZCC Joins African Faith Leaders in Renewed Push for Debt Justice

 


The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has joined faith leaders, policymakers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in calling for greater African unity and stronger action on the continent’s growing debt crisis.

The ZCC participated in the 6th African Conference on Debt and Development (AfCoDD VI), held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 25 to 28 August 2026. The conference was convened under the theme, "From Fragmentation to Influence: Advancing the Common African Position on Debt."

A major highlight for the ZCC was a side session jointly hosted with the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), bringing together faith-based organisations and other stakeholders to examine Africa’s changing debt situation and discuss how churches can contribute to the campaign for debt justice.

Participants stressed that Africa’s debt crisis extends far beyond economic statistics, with debt-related pressures having direct consequences for access to healthcare, education, livelihoods and sustainable development.

The discussions also emphasised the responsibility of faith communities to speak out against unjust systems and advocate for vulnerable communities affected by economic policies and financial burdens.

For Zimbabwe, the deliberations come at a significant time as the country continues efforts to resolve its longstanding debt arrears and secure a sustainable path towards debt resolution.

The ZCC said the discussions highlighted the importance of ensuring that Zimbabwe’s debt resolution process is transparent, accountable and centred on the needs and welfare of ordinary citizens.

The church grounded its advocacy in the biblical call contained in Isaiah 1:17: "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed."

The conference has therefore provided an opportunity for African churches and their partners to strengthen their collective voice in demanding fairer and more sustainable approaches to the continent’s debt challenges.

Wednesday, 2 September 2026

Zimbabwe Council of Churches Stands in Prayer With Families of The Missing



_Harare, 30 August 2026_ – The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, standing in solidarity with victims, survivors and families who continue to live with the pain and uncertainty of not knowing the fate or whereabouts of their loved ones.

Enforced disappearance leaves behind more than an absent person. It leaves families searching for answers, communities carrying unanswered questions, and loved ones longing for truth, justice and closure.

As people of faith, we affirm the dignity and sacredness of every human life. We continue to pray and work for a world where every person is protected, where truth is not buried, and where justice and accountability prevail.

We remember that our God is near to the brokenhearted. We commit to walk alongside grieving families, to lift them in prayer, and to speak for the dignity and worth of every person made in God’s image.

_“For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.”_ - *Luke 8:17*

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