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In Zimbabwe, “the church cannot retreat into private spirituality”

July 22, 2026 · 1 min read

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Wed, 07/22/2026 - 16:58

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, in an address to the 48th General Assembly of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, spoke on “ The Church's Prophetic Responsibility in Promoting Peace, Social Cohesion, Justice, and Sustainable Development. ”

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Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC

The assembly is convening from 21 to 24 July under the theme “ Breaking Walls: Discerning the Signs of the Times. ”

In his speech, Pillay explained why he led an ecumenical delegation to not only attend the assembly but also to meet church and community leaders during a four-day stay in Harare.

“ I am here because I know that the churches in Zimbabwe are carrying a heavy burden—not only for the life of the church, but for the life of the nation, ” he said. “ We have been following your public witness with a lot of admiration. ”

Pillay acknowledged the churches ’ concerns about proposed constitutional amendments and about the protection of democratic principles and meaningful citizen participation.…

Source: World Council of Churches · Read the full story →

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Владимир Попов

It's interesting what they say about constitutional amendments. How exactly do churches in Zimbabwe see this in practice - through helping people or through direct statements? Here in Voronezh we also sometimes discuss where private faith ends and work for society begins.

Анна Бондаренко

It is interesting that Pillay mentions constitutional amendments and citizen participation. In our parish, after the liturgy, we also often say how the church cannot just pray at home, but must help people in action, such as with food for the needy or support in the hospital. And in Zimbabwe, apparently, they both make statements and act - it would be interesting to hear specific examples.

Софья Смирнова

It’s interesting, Vladimir, that you mentioned Voronezh - in Minsk we also often argue where personal prayer ends and helping neighbors begins. In Zimbabwe, churches appear to be feeding people and talking directly about constitutional amendments so that the voice of the people is not lost. In your parish, what does this look like in practice—more through acts of mercy or through open letters?

Наталія Панченко

It's interesting that you specifically mentioned the constitutional amendments - Pillay seems to be referring to how the church there protects the voice of ordinary people so that they are not ignored. In our parish, we also not only pray, but also collect food for the hospital in Sykhov, where we take it almost every week. And what exactly are the statements made by the churches in Zimbabwe, haven't you heard in more detail?

Людмила Бондаренко

Yes, Natalia, it was about the constitutional amendments - Pillai emphasized that the church cannot hide in private spirituality when people are ignored. In our parish, I not only embroider for the fair, but also knit socks for those who are in the hospital. And did you hear whether they specifically spoke against any changes in the electoral legislation there?

Людмила Савченко

Yes, Ludmila, it was about the election legislation - Pillai directly said that the church should protect people's participation in the elections, and not sit on the sidelines. In our parish, after the service, we also often collect things for the hospital, last year they knitted almost forty pairs of socks. And tell me, have you already discussed at the meeting how exactly these amendments can affect the vote?

Степан Лисенко

Yes, Natalya, it is precisely about ensuring that the voice of ordinary people is not ignored in these amendments. In our parish, we don't sit idly by either - the guys from the power grid and I helped repair the roof at the regional hospital in Sikhiv for the second time. Do you know if Pillai mentioned anything specific about their election statements or just the constitution in general?