By Staff Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC), operating through its justice arm, the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe (CCJPZ), has resolved to actively promote peaceful and lawful civic actions to keep national constitutional debates alive following the introduction of Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3).
The resolution marks a decisive escalation in church-led civic engagement, endorsing organized public marches, peaceful demonstrations, and structured prayer walks across the country.
Church authorities emphasized that the initiative aims to safeguard constitutional democracy and protect citizen participation against legislative changes that alter the country’s governance framework.
The stance taken by the Catholic leadership builds upon a broader interfaith and multi-sectoral consensus. The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has similarly backed non-violent public engagements, while political entities including the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) and grassroots civic groups such as Sungano Yevanhu / Ubumbano Lwabantu have aligned with the movement.
The collective backing establishes a unified front across religious, political, and social sectors advocating for constitutional integrity. Mobilization around the initiative has intensified under the banner #31julymakahambe31julyngayendengayende, signaling coordinated public assemblies focused on peaceful expression.
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At the core of the dispute is CAB3, a sweeping legislative measure that significantly reshapes Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution.
Among its most contentious provisions, the amendment replaces direct popular presidential elections with an electoral model conducted by Parliament, transfers voter registration responsibilities from the independent Zimbabwe Electoral Commission to the Registrar General, and extends executive terms of office.
In a statement explaining the CCJPZ’s posture, church officials underscored that prayer walks and public demonstrations constitute legal, moral, and constitutionally protected avenues for citizens to express grievances. Religious leaders maintained that silent compliance risks weakening democratic checks and balances, arguing that public scrutiny must remain active to hold elected representatives accountable.
Opposition parties, legal practitioners, and civil society actors have echoed the church’s concerns, warning that consolidating executive authority disrupts the balance of power established under the 2013 charter. Critics contend that key democratic provisions are being diluted without sufficient popular consent or a national referendum.
Conversely, government representatives defend CAB3 as a necessary legal overhaul intended to streamline governance, enhance administrative efficiency, and align legislative structures with long-term national planning goals.
Despite official assurances, faith leaders and civic partners insist that active civic participation remains essential. By calling for disciplined, law-abiding public demonstrations, the ZCBC and its partners aim to maintain a visible, non-violent civic presence, reinforcing the demand for constitutional adherence and transparent governance.
