In a bold step toward promoting ethical governance and inclusive development, the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) convened a Multi-Stakeholder Meeting on Devolution in Harare on Friday. The gathering brought together key voices from government, civil society, and the Church to deliberate on the role of faith communities in shaping Zimbabwe’s governance landscape.
The meeting underscored the importance of devolution as a pathway to equitable development, local empowerment, and participatory democracy. With growing public interest in how resources and responsibilities are distributed across Zimbabwe's provinces, faith leaders asserted that the Church must take an active role in ensuring that devolution is implemented in ways that serve the common good.
The discussions highlighted the Church as a moral compass and a leading light in governance matters, equipped with the trust and reach needed to bridge the gap between citizens and the state. Through its grassroots presence and long-standing commitment to justice, the Church is well-positioned to facilitate dialogue, advocate for transparency, and support accountability in local governance structures.
Participants stressed the need for the Church to go beyond the pulpit — to educate communities on their rights and responsibilities under devolution, and to press for inclusive policy-making that reflects the voices of the marginalized.
This initiative by ZHOCD reflects a growing recognition that faith and governance are deeply interconnected, and that the Church must not be passive in the face of political and social transformation. As one participant put it, “The Church must lead not only in prayer but in policy discourse, civic engagement, and the defense of justice.”
Friday’s dialogue marks a significant milestone in strengthening partnerships between the Church and other stakeholders in building a more accountable, just, and participatory Zimbabwe.
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