By Simbarashe Muparaganda
Bulawayo, (New Ziana)- A major summit for religious leaders drawn from around the world is slated for Bulawayo early next month, a senior cleric said on Monday.
Council for Churches in Africa founding president, Archbishop Rocky Moyo said the Pan-African Religious Leaders Assembly Summit will bring delegates from 36 African countries and 11 countries in Asia and Europe.
The summit will be held from October 6 to 10, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to officially open it.
Prof Moyo said the summit will bring together apostolic, prophetic and other church leaders and will be held under the theme “Rise Up from Dependence to Self-Sufficiency.”
Moyo highlighted that delegates would discuss how churches can contribute to economic, social and spiritual development across the continent.
“African churches have been a pillar of hope, but too often our nations and our ministries remain dependent on external aid.
“The time has come for the church in Africa to lead in economic, social and spiritual transformation,” he observed.
The church leader emphasized the need for churches to strengthen local systems and communities, shifting from dependency towards productivity and self-sufficiency.
“The programme will cover church and business growth, the dignity of church leaders, women and youth, social transformation, African leadership and engagement with governments.
“Agriculture, cross-border trade and artificial intelligence (AI) are also on the agenda. The discussions on AI would consider both its advantages and disadvantages for the church,” said Prof Moyo.
The first day of the summit, the Archbishop said, will focus on women, children and young people, including issues such as early marriages and drug and substance abuse.
Minister of Women of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monical Mutsvangwa is expected to be the guest speaker.
“Business and economic development will feature on the second day, followed by discussions on religious tourism and other themes.
“Ministers and other government representatives are expected to take part throughout the programme,” said Moyo.
He added that African churches should take a greater role in establishing and sustaining institutions such as schools and hospitals.
“We want our own churches to be part of building schools and hospitals, as well as other institutions,” Moyo noted.
Among African countries expected to take part are Mozambique, Zambia, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo and Botswana.
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