Church leaders representing Concerned Christian leaders and Citizens Forum met with Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai today (Friday) at the Charter House to discuss their concerns around the draft constitution.
The Head of delegation Darlington Masenda said issues to do with abortion, homosexuality and Satanism had not been adequately addressed which could prompt challenges in future.
“ As church leaders we are gatekeepers of the society but the loopholes in the draft constitution can trigger unholy conduct in the society.
“ An unborn child has the right to life from a Christian point of view but the constitution says abortion can be conducted supposed there is incest, rape and life threatening condition which is problematic,” he said.
Petunia Chiriseri a Senior Pastor with His Presence Ministries International said the draft constitution could ignite marriages of the same sex as starting a family was open to any person aged 18.
“ The right of every person who has attained the age of eighteen years to found a family as contained in section 78(1) of the constitution accommodates people of the same sex to found a family as consistent with their sexual orientation.
“This can be interpreted as covering same-sex unions, contracts and partnerships, in particular that they fall under the definition of family,” she said Chiriseri added that there was lots of room for Satanism in the draft under the notion of the right to freedom of religion, opinion, thought or belief in Section 60 (1).
Tsvangirai acknowledged that the draft constitution had loophole but said it was a stepping stone in moving forward. “ The national mood is that the country should be move forward and having a new constitution is the way to go. Some of the clauses will be crafted to Bills in parliament.
“ As Christian leaders lets work towards creating a violent free society. Let’s go and persuade, inform and educate people about registering as voters,” he said.
In attendance were pastors from the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe who included Barnabas Muchanyerei, Darlington Masenda, Noah Pashapa, Deaconess Barbara Ndunduma among others.
Tsvangirai was accompanied by the party National Organising Secretary, Nelson Chamisa and his Chief Advisor Alex Magaisa.
Post published in: News