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