Our Own Staff
3 February 2003
ARCHBISHOP Pius Ncube, the outspoken clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church, this week accused the government of planting its agents within the church so as to divide it along political lines
Refuting reports carried out in the state-run media alleging that there had emerged a great rift within the church as a result of his perceived political activities, Ncube challenged the government to seek ways of halting the suffering of the people rather than dedicating its energy towards meddling in religious matters
Ncube said: "There is no division within the Catholic Church and we remain focused on breaking the silence." Churches have often been accused of being silent over government excesses
Ncube further stated: "They (the government) have planted state agents in the church in an attempt to divide us, yet we as church leaders meet every two months to discuss matters of the church." Ncube said constant reports in the state media that the church was divided were nonsense and that the notion of political involvement was part of everyone's life
Church leaders in Bulawayo have held a series of meetings in the past two weeks where they resolved to take a stand against the escalating levels of political repression and civil intimidation. The clergy roundly called for a return to the rule of law and order
The meetings held within different congregations, saw hundreds of Christians from different denominations conducting a series of prayers for the nation
Pastor Ray Motsi of the Baptist church, told The Standard that the church in Bulawayo had taken a stand on the mishaps affecting the people and was challenging the government to address the plight of the people
"The church has the right to tell the people the truth, because we are the critical agents of the society and are responsible for the welfare of the people and even the government," said Motsi
"The church has not been quiet by choice. But because of the present laws which have refuted the voices of decency, we were gagged."
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