A Call for Caution: Rev Musindo Warned Church Leaders, Denominations Against Fueling Division Over Constitutional Amendment and Avoid Political Missteps

In the wake of intense debate surrounding Zimbabwe’s proposed Constitutional Amendment No. 3 (Zimbabwe), the president and founder of Destiny Afrika Network (DANet), Obedia Musindo, has urged church leaders and denominations to exercise caution when commenting on national political issues, warning that careless statements may unintentionally create a misleading political perception.

Rev Musindo stressed that churches are part of the nation and cannot isolate themselves from national developments simply because of their denominational origins.

Speaking in an advisory message directed mainly at mainline churches and long-established denominations, Rev Musindo emphasized that church leaders should remain conscious of Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and the unique national context in which policy and governance issues are debated.

According to Musindo, churches must avoid appearing as political actors or being seen as aligned with opposition narratives when discussing national matters such as constitutional reforms.

“I want to advise the mainline churches and old denominations wherever they are to avoid a situation that can create a negative perception about their true stance on certain political issues,” Rev Musindo said.

Respecting Zimbabwe’s Sovereignty

Rev Musindo noted that while some churches have international headquarters in Europe or America, their leadership in Zimbabwe is indigenous and therefore expected to advance perspectives that reflect Zimbabwe’s national interests.

He explained that while denominations may have global positions on social or political matters, the local church must respect Zimbabwe’s laws and societal values.

“Zimbabwe is a sovereign state with its own laws. Policies affecting our nation cannot be dictated by international headquarters of denominations. "

"As long as the church is being led by our own people, we expect a Zimbabwean agenda to be pushed. Even when they engage their international headquarters, they must be able to say, ‘Here in Zimbabwe, this is our position," he said.

Avoiding Political Misinterpretation

The DANet leader said that church leaders must avoid being seen as political activists. The way they communicate their messages should not be associated with the opposition.

He noted that government has historically respected the independence of churches and has guaranteed freedom of worship without interference.

“Just as the government does not interfere in church affairs, churches must also be careful not to appear as opposition political forces,” he said.

Rev Musindo added that constructive engagement with government should be done through dialogue and consultation rather than through public statements that may be interpreted as political attacks.

“When the President calls on all Zimbabweans to contribute ideas for the country’s development, churches must approach government as citizens of this nation and offer advice in a constructive manner,” he said.

Understanding Constitutional Amendment No.3

The proposed Constitutional Amendment No.3 has sparked widespread debate in Zimbabwe, with both supporters and critics weighing in on its implications for governance and the country’s electoral cycle.
Among its key provisions, the amendment seeks to extend the electoral cycle from five years to seven years in order to harmonise national governance structures and reduce the frequency of elections. 

Government officials argue that the reform is designed to improve policy continuity and reduce disruptions caused by frequent elections. 

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Hon Min Ziyambi Ziyambi recently explained that the amendment does not alter the constitutional limits on presidential terms but instead adjusts the length of the electoral cycle.

“In this Constitution, terms of office are five years and coterminous with the life of Parliament. The Bill elongates the electoral cycle from five to seven years,” Hon Ziyambi said. 

Supporters of the amendment argue that longer governance cycles allow the government to focus on development and long-term planning rather than being constantly engaged in electoral processes.

Development Agenda Under the Second Republic

The reforms come at a time when Zimbabwe is pursuing its development agenda under the leadership of ED Mnangagwa, whose administration has championed the national vision of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030.

Some church leaders have already voiced support for the broader development trajectory of the country.

Archbishop Andby Makururu recently praised the national development vision, saying Zimbabwe should focus on unity and progress.

“Vision 2030 is not just a vision but a prophecy for Zimbabwe’s development. What the country needs now is unity and focus on development,” Makururu said. 

Rev Musindo’s History of Advisory Leadership

Musindo’s call for caution among church leaders reflects a pattern of his involvement in national discourse, where he often encourages dialogue, unity, and responsible leadership within the religious community.

Over the years, the DANet founder has consistently advocated for churches to work hand-in-hand with national institutions while maintaining their spiritual mandate.

Through DANet, Rev Musindo has led several community empowerment initiatives, including housing projects for low-income citizens, youth empowerment programmes and educational scholarships.

Observers note that his interventions often seek to bridge the gap between civic institutions, religious organisations and national development efforts.

A Call for Responsible Engagement

As debates around Constitutional Amendment No.3 continue across Zimbabwe, Musindo believes church leaders have an important role to play in guiding society responsibly.
However, he insists that their influence should be exercised with caution to preserve the credibility and neutrality of the church.

“These denominations may differ on doctrines some baptise by immersion, others sprinkle water but they are all Christians,” Musindo said.

“What they must be careful about is when they comment on national political issues. They must do so in a way that builds unity and respect for the nation.”

Church remains a vital pillar of Zimbabwean society, but its moral authority depends on maintaining a balanced approach that promotes national cohesion rather than political division.