THE fifth edition of the ecumenical religious clergy conference organised by the Council for Churches in Africa (CCA) kicks off in Bulawayo today.
It ends on Saturday.
CCA president Rocky Moyo told Southern Eye that the conference will see chapter appointments, constitutional reviews and endorsements as well as policy reviews for indigenous churches.
“It will also be an opportunity for clergy networking and exchange briefing where indigenous church leaders share their experiences and encounters,” Moyo said
“More to add, the platform will be used as a mechanism for reviewing African governments’ relations with indigenous churches.”
He said clergymen, who made an impact in their respective societies through philanthropic and charity work, would be recognised during the conference.
“Some of the awards and recognitions are conferred to founders and leaders of indigenous churches who have exceptionally contributed towards freedom of worship in Africa in the independence attainment process, during and post-independence phases,” Moyo said.
“The recipients are recognised due to their consistency, commitment, conformity and confinement to the founding or shared principles and values of the liberation struggles throughout Africa, hence some of the awards will be conferred on founders post-humously.”
He added: “Indigenous church leaders provided counselling, guidance, conflict-resolution mechanisms, peace-building and peace-making services among liberation stalwarts.
“They also provided food and other basic necessities during the course of the liberation struggles, thereby boosting morale and courage to fight repressive forces against societal well-being.”