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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 30258, member: 2262"] The government has praised churches for their strong support of communities across the nation. At a special event in Harare yesterday, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga spoke highly about religious leaders who fight against unfair treatment of people, help those living in poverty, and bring aid to groups that often go unnoticed. He attended the 50-year celebration for the Inter-Regional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa as a representative of President Mnangagwa. Dr Chiwenga, who follows the Catholic faith himself, said churches do much more than just spiritual work. He believes they push forward progress in both social areas and economic growth. He urged the bishops to keep using their regional meetings to build stronger connections between different areas. These connections help them share what they know, what they have, and what they've learned through their experiences. The Vice President discussed how Zimbabwe and nearby countries can develop in lasting ways. He said church leaders hold special power to guide spiritual growth and improvements in society and business. He mentioned that taking care of the earth, looking after what we have, and being responsible toward others helps create peace, unity, equal treatment, healthy environments, and stable economies for everyone. As the bishops plan to meet next in Eswatini, Dr Chiwenga asked them to think about what they've done well and how they can deal with the new problems facing people today. He stressed the importance of connecting religious work with bigger goals for making the world better. This creates a complete approach that cares for both human spirits and the planet we live on. The celebration marked 50 years since IMBISA began its work. This group started in 1975, and Zimbabwe hosted its first big meeting in 1984. Since then, it has helped churches across Southern Africa work together, share what they have, and take on projects as a team. Dr Chiwenga said the church and government need to stand together when tackling issues like healthcare, education, and fair treatment for all people. Dr Chiwenga added that by joining hands, they can create a brighter future guided by values like love, respect, and human dignity. He called for renewed dedication to their shared mission. He believes that even though they face big challenges, these problems can be solved when people cooperate with compassion and care for each other. Archbishop Liborious Nashenda, who leads IMBISA in Windhoek, Namibia, emphasized the importance of churches staying united. He reflected on their journey and looked toward what came next. He referenced wisdom about traveling far by going together rather than traveling fast by going alone. The Archbishop pointed out several challenges facing the region, including people forced to leave their homes, dishonest practices, and fighting between groups. The Pope's representative to Zimbabwe, Archbishop Janusz Urbanczyk, encouraged bishops everywhere to build networks of support and unity. This celebration not only marked an important milestone but also confirmed the vital role churches play in bringing hope and positive change throughout Southern Africa. [/QUOTE]

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