KEEP POLITICS OUT OF THE PULPIT

Zimbabwe is full of pain. People are hungry, jobs are few, and life is hard for many. But while all this is happening, we now see powerful politicians using churches to push their own political messages. This is wrong and must stop.

Recently, at a church event in Nyanga, Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe made a shocking statement. He said ZANU PF will rule “until donkeys grow horns.” That means forever. He said this at a Seventh-Day Adventist Church gathering, where people had come to worship, not to hear about politics. Many Zimbabweans were angry after hearing those words. And they are right to be angry.

Sanyatwe was not alone at that event. He was with his wife Chido, as well as the well-known businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife Sandra. Tagwirei is also a known ZANU PF supporter and is often seen at political events. This shows how politicians are trying to mix religion and politics — something that should never happen.

After public pressure, the church released a statement. It came from the Zimbabwe East Union Conference, the group that oversees Seventh-Day Adventist activities in Mashonaland, Manicaland, and part of Midlands. The statement was clear: churches must not be used for politics. Full stop.

Zibusiso Trust Ndlovu, the church’s executive secretary, wrote the letter. He reminded all church members and leaders that the pulpit is for preaching the word of God — not for talking about political parties or leaders. His words were strong and honest. He said the church must remain neutral. The rule is simple: no political endorsements, no campaign talk, and no political games in church. This standard is not up for debate.

Even though Sanyatwe later apologized, the damage had already been done. What he said shows what ZANU PF leaders really think — that they are above everyone else and will never leave power. But using God’s house to say such things is shameful.

I want to make this clear: I do not support churches being used to push political ideas. Religion should be a safe space, a place of hope and peace. People go to church to pray, to find strength, and to look for guidance from God — not to be reminded that the government does not care about their suffering.

It is dangerous when churches allow leaders to say whatever they want just because they bring donations or money. The moment money decides what is said in church, then the church is no longer the house of God — it becomes a stage for the powerful to lie and control people.

ZANU PF has already used the army, the police, the courts, and even the media for its own benefit. Now they want to use the church too. If we do not speak up, they will soon control every part of our lives.

Let us not be silent. Let us not be fooled by apologies that come only after people complain. Let us protect our churches and our faith. We need leaders in the church who will speak the truth, not just accept power and money.

The words of Jesus are clear: “My kingdom is not of this world.” That means the church must not bow to earthly rulers. It must stand for justice, peace, and truth. Zimbabwe needs the church to be a voice for the people, not a microphone for the government.

This is why I stand against what Sanyatwe did, and I will always speak out when politicians try to turn the pulpit into a campaign rally. Our pain is too deep, our struggle too real, for silence. Keep politics out of the pulpit. Forever.