Reverend Dr David Phiri, the President of the International Preachers Council of Churches (IPCC), gathered with other church leaders from 10 provinces of Zimbabwe at Suwoguru council hall in Mvurwi town, Mashonaland Central, recently for the ordination ceremony of Archbishop Scholastica Marimo Zhuwau, which drew a crowd of over 400 people, eager to bear witness to this auspicious event.
- Grab your own copy of your latest ZimGospel Masters Magazine and don’t forget to visit our YouTube Channel to get to know of our content.
The occasion was also a significant step towards unity and collaboration among the diverse religious communities in the country.
The arrival of Rev Dr Phiri, who also serves as the Principal Director of Brilliant Saints Theological College and the Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Preachers Union, was met with great reverence. He was welcomed with a grand 10-vehicle escort by the host church, Fambai Muchiedza Apostolic Church, led by Archbishop Scholastica (Marimo) Zhuwau.
During his address, Rev Dr Phiri emphasised the importance of setting aside differences and working together as children of God. He referenced Ephesians 4:11-15, urging the assembly to embrace their diverse roles as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, with the common goal of building up the body of Christ and achieving unity in faith and knowledge.
“I am excited to be gathered here with fellow church leaders. It is truly time for us to set aside our differences and work together as children of God. Ephesians 4:11-15 says, ‘And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and from and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the cunning of men, by their craftiness in deceitful wiles. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” said Rev Phiri during the ordination process.
In a show of support for the Zimbabwean government led by H.E Dr. E.D Mnangagwa, Rev Phiri expressed gratitude for the freedom of worship in Zimbabwe and called for continued prayers for the country, its leaders, and its development.
“As a council we are so grateful to the recent government of this country, and we are so much grateful for the freedom of worship in Zimbabwe. We keep on praying for our country, leaders and development.”
Furthermore, he encouraged all church leaders to adhere to the constitution of Zimbabwe, particularly in ensuring that every child has access to education and advocating against the abuse of girls and mothers in the name of the church.
“We urge all church leaders to submit to the government by following and abide by the constitution of Zimbabwe that every child must go to school and we must not abuse girl child and our mothers in the name of church. As spiritual leaders let us lead by example and live a legacy.”
Rev Dr Phiri extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the International Preachers Council of Churches, Zimbabwe Preachers Union, Brilliant Saints Theological College, and his own family to the families of Archbishop Masuka and Reverend Kampira, acknowledging the loss of these esteemed figures within the body of Christ.
The event was attended by 56 church leaders and community representatives, signifying a broad and inclusive participation in this unifying initiative.
- Like and follow our Facebook page and Twitter page to get to know more of our content.
The convergence of these church leaders from diverse provinces of Zimbabwe, under the guidance of Rev Dr Phiri, symbolises a collective effort towards fostering harmony, understanding, and collaboration within the religious community, setting a powerful example for the nation and beyond.
