The Zimbabwe East Union Conference (ZEUC) is emerging as a model within the Southern Africa–Indian Ocean Division (SID) for effective Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) engagement, with church leaders reporting growing collaboration between pastors and civic authorities across its territory.

SID PARL Director Dr. Pako Mokgwane commended the union’s approach during a recent follow-up visit, noting that ZEUC’s strategy of actively connecting pastors with local leaders has opened doors for ministry, particularly in previously hard-to-reach communities.

“ZEUC’s model which is anchored on relationship-building, service, and prayer is one we hope to see replicated across the SID region as a practical expression of faith-based public engagement,” said Dr. Mokgwane.

Dr. Mokgwane said leaders are placed in their roles by God and that the church’s responsibility is to shape the moral fabric of society while allowing civic authorities to govern.

The visit, conducted over the past fortnight following the Inter-Denominational PARL Fellowship Sabbath held in Harare, also served as an appreciation tour for civic leaders who attended the landmark gathering. During the trip, Dr. Mokgwane met four traditional chiefs, more than 20 village heads, and several government and council officials.

Among key engagements was a meeting with Dr. Kudakwashe Tagwirei, an advisor to the President of Zimbabwe and a member of the Adventist Church. Dr. Tagwirei said his advisory role allows him to articulate Adventist values at the highest levels of government while advocating for freedom of worship for all faiths.

“My responsibility besides my advisory role, is to help the government understand who we are as a church and what we stand for,” he said. “In doing so, I also advocate for the protection of religious freedom, not just for Adventists but for all.”

He noted that while Zimbabwe already upholds religious freedom, the Adventist Church has historically had limited visibility at senior levels of governance, a gap he is working to address.

Dr. Tagwirei also challenged affluent believers to remain faithful in stewardship.

“It is easy for those with means to appear faithful because of the amounts they give,” he said. “But true faithfulness is measured by obedience, not size.”

In Muzarabani, the delegation met with Chief Muzarabani and his council of village heads, commending their cooperation with church activities and participation in the PARL Sabbath.

“We have not seen this level of respect from other denominations,” the chief said. “The church continues to provide spiritual guidance that is helping our people.”

Accompanied by Dr. Godfrey Musara and Dr. Trustmore Parangeta, the delegation also visited the District Development Coordinator for Muzarabani North Constituency Mr John Chihobo, where they toured a borehole and water system installed by the church at district offices.

Chihobo praised the partnership between the church and government, highlighting its tangible community impact.

“The contributions of church members through tithes and offerings are transforming communities,” he said, pledging continued support for church initiatives.

Similar courtesy visits were extended to Chief Chiweshe, Chief Svosve and Chief Seke, where leaders expressed appreciation for the church’s outreach and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration.

All the chiefs and community leaders were presented with gifts that included a bible as an appreciation for their support of the church in their regions.