The Zimbabwe East Union Conference (ZEUC) organized an Inter-Denominational Fellowship Day in honor of the Seventh-day Adventist Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) agenda, drawing a wide cross-section of church members, civic leaders, and government officials to the Harare International Convention Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The event attracted traditional leaders, mayors, councilors, permanent secretaries, government employees, members of parliament, and presidential advisors. Local Adventist Churches from across the region filled the convention center to capacity, underscoring strong public interest in faith-based engagement on issues of governance, conscience, and community well-being.

Kariba Mayor Ralph Nyashamaoneyi Kariba, challenged churches to “fill the gap” in society by establishing community transformation centres and continuing to guide people toward spiritual and social renewal.

General Conference PARL Director Nelu Burcea, accompanied by his associates Elie Henry and Andy Im, encouraged churches to work constructively with governments to strengthen religious freedom in their country. They emphasized the importance of fostering a clear understanding of the Christian’s dual responsibility to God and the state, while remaining faithful to the church’s spiritual calling. The leaders expressed appreciation for the church’s visible involvement in community upliftment.

In the week preceding the event, the General Conference and Division PARL leaders met with Zimbabwe East Union Conference pastors for targeted training on addressing public affairs and religious liberty at the local church level. The sessions emphasized biblically grounded, non-partisan engagement with civic issues and highlighted the importance of pastors modeling humility, integrity, and servant leadership, teaching that Christ-like character and respectful engagement are key to winning the trust of civil leaders, people of influence, and communities, and ultimately drawing them to Christ without compromising the church’s spiritual mission.

Speaking on behalf of the Southern Africa–Indian Ocean Division, PARL Director Pako Mokgwane noted that the church “has not been called to rule society, but to morally shape it.” He added that advocacy for justice, peace, and freedom of worship begins with informed, prayerful, and humble believers.

Tommy Namitondo, SID Vice President, delivered the main message, advocating for strong and credible representation of the Adventist Church in public affairs and thanking the government for safeguarding religious liberty. Citing that nearly 70 percent of the world lacks freedom of worship, he preached from Daniel 6, urging believers to live their faith publicly and confidently.

“The God you worship will deliver you,” he said, calling on Christians to demonstrate a “big God” through faithful living that earns the respect of leaders.

The Honourable Minister of State, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Chiringa, highlighted the centrality of young people in public affairs. He called for collaboration between faith institutions, civil society, and government to address the growing crisis of drug and substance abuse, noting its threat to national development. He commended the organizing bodies for their vision, compassion, and commitment.

Responding on behalf of the host institution, Dr. Musara, ZEUC PARL director, described the government as a key partner in societal development. He expressed gratitude for freedom of worship and challenged participants to move beyond speeches to renewed commitment translated into action.

The Inter-Denominational Fellowship Day concluded with a shared resolve to strengthen cooperation between church and state while upholding freedom of conscience and the moral foundations of society.

With many committed Adventists serving in government and other influential positions, and through intentional collaboration with other Christian denominations, the Adventist Church in the Zimbabwe East Union Conference remains poised to advance religious liberty while championing fairness, justice, and peace.

This article was provided by the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division.