Evangelist Idirashe Dongo, the founder of the Pastors for Economic Development (ED) movement, faced difficulties giving a speech about the state of the 23-24 August 2023 harmonized elections in Zimbabwe. The movement, officially launched by Zanu PF Midlands provincial chairperson Senator Larry Mavima in November 2022, claimed that it aimed to engage religious leaders in politics while supporting President Mnangagwa’s vision.
Back then, Dongo stated that Zimbabwe’s population was predominantly Christian, with 85.5 percent of the population belonging to this faith. She believed that church leaders should encourage their members to actively contribute to the country’s economic development, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030.
During her speech, Dongo encountered difficulties and failed three times to deliver her address. Despite her attempts, she was unable to complete her speech and eventually gave up. The reasons behind her inability to proceed were not specified.
Dongo, however, seemed to be trashing preliminary reports by international observers who concluded that Zimbabwe’s elections had failed to meet regional and international standards. Watch the video below for more:
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 640px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="360" id="video-263317-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pastors-for-ED-HUMILIATED.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pastors-for-ED-HUMILIATED.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Pastors-for-ED-HUMILIATED.mp4</a></video></div>
There exists a complex relationship between religious leaders, politics, and the role of the church in shaping the socio-political landscape of Zimbabwe. Certain prominent preachers have been accused of using their religious platform to advance the agenda of the ruling party, ZANU PF, at the expense of the general population. These preachers have been known to make predictions or prophecies that are favourable to the ruling party, which raises concerns about their impartiality and the influence of politics within religious contexts.
 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Pindula News

WATCH: Pastors For ED Fail To Deliver Speeches In Front Of Camera

Celebration Church Ministries International leader, Tom Deuschle, has said the ZANU PF-affiliated group of pastors, Pastors for Economic Development (Pastors4ED) is an abomination because it supports an oppressive system that abhors righteousness.
In a recent sermon at his church in Borrowdale, Deuschle criticised what he considers the seduction of the church by politicians. He said:
<blockquote>
We call ourselves a Christian nation. I saw a report the other day that we are supposedly 85 percent Christian and yet we allow a flood, and I mean a literal flood, of non-christian activity to seduce the church, to seduce the nation.
Politics; we are seeing today pastors being manipulated by the state to support political ideologies that often speak and do things contrary to the word of God. 
This pastors for ED is an abomination I dare to say it out loud. It is ridiculous. You cannot be a pastor 4ED.
</blockquote>
He argued that it is wrong for pastors to identify themselves with political ideologies instead of wholly following Jesus Christ. Said Deuschle:
<blockquote>
You can only be a pastor for our great shepherd Jesus Christ. I am not a pastor and I will not be a pastor for a political party.
Political parties may govern. There was an article that says Christians are supposed to obey the governing authority, yes until the governing authority violates their governing authority which is almighty God and the word of God.
</blockquote>
The year 2022 witnessed the proliferation of several ZANU PF affiliates claiming to be championing economic development (ED) for the attainment of Vision 2030.
These organisations include Pastors4ED, Vapostori4ED, and Teachers4ED among others.
Pastors4ED national chairperson Idiraishe Dongo said the initiative is aimed at grooming pastors who love their country. | <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/pastors-for-ed-is-an-abomination-says-tom-deuschle-of-celebration-church-ministries/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>

Pastors For ED Is An Abomination, Says Tom Deuschle

The Pastors for Economic Development (ED) group has been launched in Gweru, Midlands amid mushrooming of similar forums pushing for President Mnangagwa’s re-election bid.
The religious grouping’s main thrust is to support the vision of President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the country to attain an upper-middle-income society by 2030, <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2022/11/16/pastors-for-ed-midlands-chapter-launched/">ZBC News</a> reported citing Pastors for ED advisor, Pastor Aaron Rusukira. He said:
<blockquote>
The Bible is very clear that you can’t separate the church and politics. The Bible says we should pray for our leaders and what we are simply doing is interpreting the scriptures. We are in the summer cropping season, and we need to pray for our country to have a bumper harvest which will translate to massive development.
</blockquote>
Bishop Wellington Mupisa, a war veteran said people need to be reminded that the colonial regime used to ban indigenous churches, which is contrary to what is happening under the leadership of President Mnangagwa. Mupisa added:
<blockquote>
The President is very clear in his support for the church and as such, we need to also show him support.”
</blockquote>
The Pastors for ED national leadership vowed to continue recruiting more members to ensure the church and government work in harmony.
Pastors for ED Founding Chairperson, Evangelist Idirashe Dongo said they wanted to foster the spirit of patriotism in the church as a “thank you” to … Our President (who) has shown great support to his people.”
Also speaking at the event, ZANU PF Central Committee member, Wellington Magura said the party attended the event to show support for the church. 
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Pastors For ED Latest News

Latest Jobs