Govt hails church for peace
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA’s consistent calls for peace during the election period were heeded and supported by the Church, which should continue to promote peaceful co-existence, as this is key for national cohesion and development, Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
He said this during the episcopal ordination of Reverend Eusebius Nyathi as the fourth bishop of the Roman Catholic Church’s Gokwe Diocese here yesterday.
In his new role, Bishop Nyathi will preside over a diocese that boasts more than 8 000 church members and several church-run schools and hospitals.
Acting President Chiwenga, a devout Catholic, said Government’s development thrust can only be possible in a peaceful environment.
“Allow me to take this opportunity to extend my appreciation of the role played by churches in praying for the nation prior to the harmonised elections held last month,” said Acting President Chiwenga.
“As the mantra says, ‘Nyika inonamatirwa nevene vayo’; your unwavering support to the Government in the maintenance of peace is highly commendable.
“I would like to invite you, as well as the other bishops here present, to continue working hand in glove with the Government for the wellbeing of the people entrusted to your pastoral care, as well as the generality of Zimbabweans who live in your territories.
“Since the vision statement of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference is ‘A reconciled Zimbabwean society living in harmony, justice and peace in a democratic developmental state’, I, therefore, take this opportunity to encourage you, dear bishops, to continue to cooperate with Government in achieving your pastoral mandate.
“This vision dovetails with Government efforts to build a peaceful country — the Zimbabwe we all want.
“A peaceful environment is key for the development of our beloved nation as we rally towards the attainment of Vision 2030.”
Turning to Bishop Nyathi, Acting President Chiwenga said it was by God’s grace that he had been ordained as head of the church in the Gokwe Diocese.
“Bishop Eusebius Nyathi and the whole of the Gokwe community, I warmly congratulate you on behalf of the nation, and on my own behalf, on your appointment as bishop of the Diocese of Gokwe,” he said.
“May the Lord help you to draw positive inspiration from your experience as Rector of Saint John Fisher and Thomas More National Seminary in Chishawasha.”
Principal consecrator Archbishop of Harare Robert Ndlovu reminded Bishop Nyathi that what he had pledged is to work for the Lord for the rest of his life.
Bishop Nyathi promised to serve to the best of his abilities.
He said, as a bishop, he was willing to learn and work harmoniously with his flock.