Indigenous Churches Throw Weight Behind CAB3, Say Parliament Must “Finish What It Started”

The debate around the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 3 Bill took a dramatic turn yesterday after the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC), representing more than 8.7 million congregants, officially endorsed the proposed constitutional reforms and urged Parliament to pass the Bill.

In a detailed 11-page submission delivered to Parliament on Friday, the influential church body described the amendment process as constitutional, necessary and aligned with Zimbabwe’s long-term national development agenda.

“We submit this statement in support of the Constitution of Zimbabwe (Amendment No. 3) H.B.1 Bill, 2026, and we do so with conviction, with clarity, and with the full authority of our calling,” the churches stated.

The submission was signed by ZIICC Patron Bishop Dr. Nehemiah Mutendi and chairman Rev Dr Andrew Wutawunashe.

The churches strongly defended Parliament’s authority to amend the Constitution, dismissing growing criticism from civic groups and sections of the opposition demanding the withdrawal of the Bill.

“It is Parliament’s mandate. And Parliament’s exercise of that mandate is not and cannot be a threat to democracy, it is democracy itself,” the submission said.

The church body further argued that public consultations had already satisfied constitutional requirements after hearings were conducted across all districts of Zimbabwe.

“The Constitution does not grant anybody or any organisation a veto over Parliament. It grants citizens a voice. That voice has been heard. Parliament must now deliberate and decide,” the document stated.

ZIICC also linked the proposed reforms to Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy, arguing that Zimbabwe needs policy continuity and political stability to complete major infrastructure and economic programmes.

“This nation has survived what would have broken others,” the churches said. “They are asking for institutions that function, for governance that continues, for a government that is allowed to finish what it started.”

In a direct appeal to lawmakers, the churches concluded with a blunt message: “Pass this Bill. Zimbabwe is waiting.”

The endorsement is likely to intensify national debate around CA3, particularly given the political and social influence churches command across Zimbabwe’s rural and urban communities.