The recent release of the Nelson Chamisa-led Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) Party manifesto has sparked a wave of discussions and debates across Zimbabwe, with a notable divide in opinions regarding the party’s proposal to “rededicate Zimbabwe to God and rebuild the altar, covenant, decrees, and ordinances.” The plan, seen as a prominent feature in the party’s vision for the nation, has garnered mixed reactions from citizens, with some expressing reservations about the potential implications on governance, diversity, and individual rights.
CCC’s Religious Emphasis Raises Eyebrows
Contained within the CCC Party’s manifesto is a bold declaration of intent to restore Zimbabwe’s connection with religious values and traditions. The document outlines the party’s intention to “give glory to God for all our victories, successes, and gains” and to reestablish the role of the church as a guiding force in societal conscience and ethics. The manifesto also envisions a special mechanism for the church’s involvement in governance.
“We will restore Zimbabwe back to God in honour, values, faith, worship and praise. We will give glory to God for all our victories, successes and gains. We will restore the role of the church as the custodians and guardians of conscience, morals and ethics of society. The church shall provide a campus to government speaking truth to power. In this regard, we will create a special mechanisms, structure and institution to facilitate for the role of the church in governance. We shall dedicate nation, country, its people and resources to God for His glory. We will rededicate Zimbabwe to God and rebuild the alter, covenant, decrees and ordinances.
“The CITIZENS GOVERNMENT will create a conducive and an enabling environment for churches to worship God. Zimbabwe shall be known as a place of salvation, healing, redemption and restoration to the glory of God the Creator. Zimbabwe shall be known for religious tourism and visitation.”
Citizens React: A Spectrum of Perspectives
In response to this proposed emphasis on religion within governance, citizens have expressed a spectrum of opinions. Some view the CCC Party’s plan as an attempt to intertwine religious beliefs with state affairs, potentially undermining the principles of a secular government. A concerned citizen, Joe Black, shared his views, stating,
“As long as they don’t try and amend the Constitution to include all this [emphasis on religion], it’s just electioneering. No worries.”
On the other hand, supporters of the CCC Party’s vision argue that the party is not advocating for a specific religion but rather emphasizing a return to spiritual values. They assert that the proposal could potentially promote unity and a sense of shared purpose among citizens. @Mncedisi_mengu tweeted,
“People are gonna choose to misinterpret, He said God … not religion. God belongs to all religions not just Christianity”
Balancing Act: Governance and Diversity
The CCC Party’s proposal also raises concerns about potential conflicts between religious values and the rights of minority groups. The plan’s emphasis on restoring Zimbabwe to God and rebuilding religious structures has led some to question the party’s stance on issues such as women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights. Critics argue that such an emphasis might hinder progress on these fronts.
A Nation Divided
As discussions continue to unfold on social media platforms, it’s evident that the CCC Party’s manifesto has polarized opinions among Zimbabweans. The ideological divide between those who support the restoration of religious values within governance and those who emphasize the need for a secular approach highlights the complexity of shaping a nation’s identity and direction.
While the CCC Party’s proposal speaks to a desire to strengthen the nation’s spiritual roots, its potential impact on governance and individual rights has ignited a passionate debate that reflects the diverse perspectives within Zimbabwean society.
Reactions on Social Media: A Snapshot of Public Sentiment
@Mhondreaux
“It’s an issue for me when we cannot separate the Church and the State. Zimbabwe’s issues can be solved with practical governance, functional systems, a viable economy and upholding the rule of law. Can we leave beliefs as a personal mandate, and not a national one?”
@Arumlily92
“The state of the church in zim makes all of this even more ridiculous. When has the Zimbabwean church ever spoken truth to power? Isnt Chamisa from AFM? Lets even start there actually.
“The power struggles? The eating with Zanu pf? The corruption? The abuse? How can the church be a moral campus when there is literally no morality left in that circus we call a church in zim. Child brides. Gold smuggling & money laundering. Fraud. Dubious land deals. Anti vax theories that place public health at risk. Whatever panganai java is doing.
“The Zimbabwean church is rotten! All of it! With no exceptions.”
@T_S_I_B_O
This nonsense means women’s rights are compromised. The lives of LGBTQIA+persons are in greater danger than before. This is equivalent to stating that you’ll be bringing state sponsored bigotry. Your coffers have been lined heavily by the right and its showing in disgusting ways.
@TriumphSensei
“I’m sorry, but Zimbabwe is not a country that should allow the church to do this – for reasons we all know. This is a terrible idea”
@nyathi_nqobani
“Looks like something mukomana may have inserted, himself. Respect pluralism. It’s one of the democratic principles.”
@X_I2022
“The constitution recognizes that God is not religious. Anyone is allowed to practice their preferred religion. Forcing everyone to a constitutional Christian is a violation of human rights or maybe it is just novice from the young leader!”
@tonde_machi
“I find this idea to be counter-revolutionary in the sense that Chrisitianity as a religion was used to suppress African Religion. I would want a government that promotes African Traditional Religion for the purposes of the decolonisation agenda.”
@KhuMulan
“Saying religion Will have a role in governance is much wiser. We have Muslims and Traditionalists who have a role to play.”
@tendayi_chiware
“Kkk, thank you for highlighting this. Do these guys know that there is no altar without blood. Do they even know what a covenant is and how it comes into being? This is from someone who is uninformed when it comes to bible issues. Religious tourism? Hayas, hapana kwatiri kuenda”
Source iHarare.com
