The Church News Online

The Church News Online

Monday, 27 July 2026

Zimbabwe Council Of Churches Engages RBZ On Cost Of Living And Livelihoods

 



Staff Reporter | The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) met with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) on Thursday, 24 July 2026, to present its input ahead of the 2026 Mid-Term Monetary Policy Review.

Led by former ZCC President Bishop Dr I. Makumbe, the delegation also took the opportunity to introduce the newly elected ZCC Presidium.

During the engagement, ZCC commended the RBZ for maintaining open dialogue with stakeholders. The Council highlighted key issues affecting households and communities, including the cost of living, access to financial services, sustainable livelihoods, and the need for economic approaches that promote dignity, fairness and shared prosperity.

Drawing from scripture, ZCC referenced Christ’s words: _“I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly”_ (John 10:10).

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocate for policies and practices that uphold human dignity and enable all Zimbabweans to flourish.

Saturday, 25 July 2026

Theology Conference Urges Church To Build Communities Of Equality




The 48th Biennial General Assembly wrapped up today with a clear call for the Church to move from dialogue to action.


On Day 3 of the Theology Conference, delegates tackled inequality, exclusion, gender justice and youth leadership. Speakers argued that faith must be lived out through concrete steps to create communities grounded in justice, dignity and equality.


The discussions challenged church leaders to confront systems that leave people behind and to prioritize inclusion at every level of ministry. Youth voices and calls for gender equity were central to the conversations, with participants stressing that the Church must reflect the values it preaches.


As the Assembly concludes, the message was consistent: belief must be translated into practice. The Conference urged congregations to build spaces where everyone is valued and given the opportunity to lead.


Friday, 24 July 2026

ZCC Assembly Day 3 Begins With Renewed Push For Church Unity




Day 3 of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches’ 48th Biennial General Assembly is underway, following a second day centered on introspection and moral responsibility.


The focus on Tuesday was on the Church examining itself first. In her address, Rev. Lydia Neshangwe challenged delegates to dismantle internal divisions before seeking to mend fractures in society. Her message set the tone: healing must start from within.


That theme carried into the Theological Conference and Public Lecture, where discussions turned to justice, peace, social cohesion, and the role of the Church as a prophetic voice in Zimbabwe’s current climate.


Organizers say the conversations were meant to move beyond debate, toward concrete discernment and action as the Assembly progresses.


The ZCC is continuing to share updates from the gathering as leaders deliberate on the way forward for the Council over the next two years.


For full coverage and documents from the Assembly, visit the ZCC website.  

#ZCC48thAssembly #BreakingWallsBuildingBridges #VoicesOfHope #ConversationsOfHope


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Want me to also do 2-3 alternative headline options in different tones — more prophetic, more newsy, more social?

Thursday, 23 July 2026

"The Church Cannot Retreat Into Private Spirituality," WCC Leader Tells ZCC Assembly

 



The World Council of Churches has urged Zimbabwean churches to remain vocal and engaged in national issues, warning against withdrawing from public life.


WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay delivered the message during the 48th General Assembly of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches in Harare. The assembly is running from 21 to 24 July under the theme _“Breaking Walls: Discerning the Signs of the Times.”_


Pillay addressed delegates on _“The Church's Prophetic Responsibility in Promoting Peace, Social Cohesion, Justice, and Sustainable Development.”_


He said the WCC delegation traveled to Zimbabwe for a four-day visit to meet church and community leaders, not just to attend the assembly.


“I am here because I know that the churches in Zimbabwe are carrying a heavy burden—not only for the life of the church, but for the life of the nation,” Pillay said. 


He added: “We have been following your public witness with a lot of admiration.”


Pillay stressed that faith leaders have a duty to speak out on peace, justice and development, and cannot limit their role to worship alone.


Learn more: https://oikoumene.org/news/in-zimbabwe-the-church-cannot-retreat-into-private-spirituality

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

ZCC Delegates Gather for Leadership and Empowerment Sessions Ahead of 48th General Assembly



Delegates and fellowship leaders from across Zimbabwe have begun arriving for a series of pre-General Assembly engagements as the Zimbabwe Council of Churches [ZCC] prepares to open its 48th Biennial General Assembly.

Women and Youth Delegates from ZCC Member Churches are meeting separately with the leadership of the Women Ecumenical Fellowship [WEF] and Youth Ecumenical Fellowship [YEF] for focused sessions on Leadership Development and Economic Empowerment.

At the same time, leaders from the Men's Ecumenical Fellowship [MEF] and Local Ecumenical Fellowship [LEF] are also convening. The Supervisory Council is meeting ahead of the official opening of the General Assembly.

The pre-assembly engagements are designed to set the tone for the main gathering, which will be held under the theme: _"Breaking Walls, Building Bridges and Projecting the Future."_

Organizers say the meetings are laying groundwork for what they hope will be a Spirit-led Assembly focused on unity and action.

Quoting scripture to capture the spirit of the gathering, organizers shared: 
*"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" - Psalm 133:1*

The ZCC General Assembly brings together member churches to deliberate on church life, social justice, and the role of faith in national development.

Tuesday, 21 July 2026

ZCC Seeks China’s Support To Assist Returning Zimbabweans From South Africa

 By A Correspondent -


The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has engaged the Chinese Embassy in Harare to address the rising humanitarian needs of Zimbabweans returning from South Africa.


On Sunday, July 20, 2026, ZCC General Secretary Rev. Wilfred Dimingu met with officials from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to discuss how partners can support affected families.


Rev. Dimingu met with Mr. Pan Xiongwen, Director of the Political and Press Section, and Counsellor Zhang Yi. He briefed them on the scale of the returns and outlined the Church’s current response.  

“We continue to provide psycho-social support, temporary accommodation, food, essential relief items, and onward transport assistance to returnees through our local ecumenical structures,” Rev. Dimingu said.


He also highlighted the Church’s appreciation for China’s earlier assistance.  

“ZCC expressed its appreciation for the Embassy's previous donation of solar lights, some of which have already been distributed to returning families, bringing hope and practical support as they rebuild their lives,” he noted.


With the number of returnees continuing to climb, ZCC said it is pushing for coordinated support to ensure people are not left behind.  

“As the number of returnees continues to rise, ZCC remains committed to working with government, development partners, the Church and the private sector to ensure that returnees are received with dignity, compassion, and the support they need for successful reintegration,” Rev. Dimingu said.


#ConversationsOfHope

Monday, 20 July 2026

THEME: I WILL SEE THE GOODNESS OF GOD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING




“I would have died, if I had not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13 KJV)


Life on this side of eternity is not always easy. There are seasons when the burdens seem heavier than our strength. Sometimes the salary is not enough to feed the family. Sometimes the doctor’s report leaves us trembling. Sometimes relationships break, doors close, prayers seem unanswered, and heaven appears silent. Life can be cruel. Life can be exhausting. Life can be overwhelming.


David understood such moments. He confessed that without faith in God’s goodness, he would have lost heart. What kept him alive was not the absence of trouble but the certainty that God was still at work.


There are times when you cannot trace God’s hand, but you can trust His heart. Behind the scenes, the Lord is arranging what you cannot yet see. He is opening doors you cannot unlock, healing wounds you cannot mend, and preparing breakthroughs you cannot imagine. His delays are never His denials.


Today, refuse to let your present circumstances define your future. Hold tightly to the promises of God even when everything around you seems to contradict them. The God who has carried you this far will not abandon you now.


Make this your declaration of faith: I will not die until I see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. I will see His provision. I will see His healing. I will see His restoration. I will see His faithfulness. My story will not end in despair because my God is still writing it. His goodness will surely find me, and I will live to testify of His unfailing love. 


To God be the glory 


Rev B Chinhara

Saturday, 18 July 2026

Dorcas Moyo To Feature As Guest Artist At Masvingo Paralympic Games


 

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