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The Zimbabwe Council of Churches through the General Assembly has elected Bishop I. Makumbe as the new President and Bishop K. Sibanda as the new Vice President of the Council. The elections were part of the critical governance processes of the ZCC General Assembly which was held from the 6th to the 9th of July 2022 in Hatfield, Harare.
The General Assembly was held under the theme: “Ecumenical Leadership Renewal for Transformation of Society” aimed at selecting leadership that focuses on building and transforming the lives of the people.
Speaking at the event, outgoing President Bishop L. Khaye said “the newly elected leadership should keep upholding and improving the good work which was initiated during the tenure of office of the outgoing leadership.” He also commended the General Secretary, Rev Dr. Kenneth Mtata for his commitment to the work of the ZCC over the years and his tireless efforts to contribute to the transformation of Zimbabwe.
Bishop Khaye expressed his gratitude for the support he received during his tenure and encouraged heads of the church to continue contributing towards upholding ecumenical values.
Giving his farewell remarks, outgoing Vice President Bishop E. Ruwona also expressed his appreciation to the entire leadership of ZCC, the General Secretary, and the secretariat for reviving and improving the viability and success of the ZCC work.
Reflecting on good leadership for transformation Jesuit University Dean of Students Dr. Kaulem said “Leadership is sacrifice, it is a form of giving up for the sake of others in the manner that Jesus gave himself up for our sins”
Dr. Kaulem quoted Socrates noting that “To be a leader is to learn how to die” meaning one has to learn to suspend their personal interests for the benefit of the people.
In addition, the General Secretary Rev Dr. K Mtata conducted a presentation using an analogy of water from main rivers in Zimbabwe which was submitted by ZCC regional staff, explaining that ZCC is bonded and united by Christ through the power of baptism.
Rev Dr. Mtata said, “Water is a symbol of the fullness of life. We must pray, united in the waters of baptism, that this gift of life may come upon our nation, our leadership, and our member churches.”
As part of the event’s strategic outcomes, the General Assembly pledged to a number of resolutions that include accepting the Advisory Board reports with appreciation, ratifying the proposed new members of the Advisory board, accepting the revised strategic thrust for the years 2023-2025, a Youths Declaration and Call to action; and commissioning the President Bishop I. Makumbe and Vice President Bishop K. Sibanda.
The General Assembly was attended by the heads of ZCC member churches, women leaders, Youths Leaders, the Roman Catholic Church representatives, journalists as well as ZCC partners: Norwegian Christian Aid, Christian Blind Mission among others.
