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Sithandile Mpofu, Chronicle Correspondent

LUPANE West Member of Parliament Mr Mxolisi Charles Sibanda has hailed the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church for preaching peace and harmony in communities which is a springboard for development for the country.

Mr Sibanda was speaking on Saturday during a church service organised by the SDA church meant to recognise the role of civic leaders in Lupane`s Mzola area.

The church service which was held at Zenzele Secondary School in Mzola six was attended by Chief Menyezwa, his headman and village heads as well as the political leadership in the area.

The worship service sought to acknowledge the important role played by traditional leaders in communities as ambassadors of peace, unity and custodians of shared values.

“The role of the church in preaching peace in our communities is very important as there can be no development in a country without peace. The church also helps a lot in fighting GBV through its teachings.

Some of the GBV cases we received are a true sign that there are some members of the communities who do not listen to the gospel of peace and harmony preached by the church.

“This church has strong teachings and principles as well as an education system which help shape the wellbeing especially of the youths,” he said.

West Zimbabwe Conference Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director Dr Christopher Thebe said the traditional leadership plays a very important role in leading and guiding communities.

Dr Thebe said it was important for leaders to recognise that God is the founder of leadership and must follow him in carrying out their duties.

Chief Menyezwa hailed the church for the program which brought on traditional leaders together to worship the Lord.

He said it was important for leaders to be God fearing in the discharge of their duties.

The church donated a number of goats to some of the civic leaders and less privileged members of the community during the ceremony.