Churches Move Towards National Governance Framework

By Staff Reporter

Bishops, pastors and church leaders from across Zimbabwe this Thursday thronged Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare for the launch of the Zimbabwe Christian Ministers Association (ZCMA) Foundership and Governance Programme, in what attendents described as a rare and significant convergence of diverse church denominations around issues of governance, accountability and ethical leadership.

The gathering attracted church mother bodies, ministers, faith-based organisations and Government representatives, signalling growing momentum towards institutional reforms within Zimbabwe’s expanding faith sector.

At the centre of the launch was the unveiling of the proposed National Church Governance and Compliance Framework, a policy blueprint developed by the Zimbabwe Christian Ministers Association through the Christian Ministers Training Institute (CMTI).

The framework seeks to establish minimum governance standards for churches and promote ethical leadership, financial accountability, safeguarding systems and compliance with Zimbabwe’s legal and constitutional frameworks.

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Comrade Nobert Tichawona Mazungunye, described the initiative as “a covenantal step towards strengthening governance, accountability, ethical leadership and institutional integrity within the faith sector.”

Hon. Mazungunye commended ZCMA, church mother bodies and stakeholders for what he called a bold and visionary undertaking aimed at preserving the integrity of the Church.

“By embracing this programme, the Church demonstrates foresight and responsibility in ensuring that its institutions remain pillars of integrity and hope,” he said.

The Deputy Minister said the framework resonated with both biblical principles and constitutional governance, drawing parallels between the Ten Commandments and modern legal systems.

“The commandments were not only spiritual precepts but also foundational principles of justice, morality and order,” he said.

“In the same spirit, Zimbabwe’s constitutional order enshrines fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of conscience and religion under Section 60 of the Constitution.”

Hon. Mazungunye said Government and the Church remained critical partners in promoting peace building, moral regeneration and national development under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

He said Government had deliberately incorporated the Church into governance structures, advisory platforms and national committees, recognising the importance of moral consciousness in sustainable development.

The Deputy Minister also warned against abuse, exploitation and misuse of authority within some religious institutions, saying the pulpit must never become “a platform for manipulation.”

“Church leaders must uphold accountability and transparency. Ministerial authority is a sacred trust, not a tool for personal enrichment,” he said.

He further stressed that compliance with the laws of Zimbabwe, including registration requirements, financial accountability and labour standards, was essential for legitimacy and institutional credibility.

The proposed governance framework includes a National Church Governance Charter, a Code of Conduct for Ministers, safeguarding and abuse prevention guidelines, governance compliance checklists and conflict resolution mechanisms for churches.

It also outlines procedures for church land acquisition, property registration, local authority compliance and institutional accountability.

As part of implementation, ZCMA and CMTI will roll out governance awareness campaigns, provincial leadership workshops and a Certificate in Ministry Foundership and Governance aimed at equipping church leaders with administrative and governance skills.

Speaking during the launch, ZCMA President Bishop C. Choto said it was high time church leaders took governance, accountability and institutional integrity seriously.

He said the Church must move beyond personality-centred leadership models and embrace systems that promote transparency, stewardship and responsible administration.

Church leaders attending the event welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step towards restoring confidence, strengthening leadership standards and safeguarding congregants within Zimbabwe’s religious landscape.