Regional indigenous church group, Council for Churches in Africa (CCA), has over the weekend posthumously honour St Luke's Apostolic Ejiwel Jekenishen church founder, Luke Mataruka Pferedzayi for his noble contribution towards sustainable peace, independence attainment and national interests promotion in southern Africa.
Speaking during the prestigious award and recognition handover ceremony, which concurs, with the ongoing Passover feast, CCA's founding leader, Arch-Bishop Rocky Moyo praised and accorded the late Pferedzayi with a lifetime achievement honorary award emeritus stature for his contribution in dedicating himself towards transforming and empowering Africa.
"This is the highest level of recognition and appreciation, which we posthumously reward to those church founders whose contribution dates back from periods of fighting the then colonial governments in the quest for indigenous churches to attain independence,” Moyo said.
“They sacrificed and dedicated their lives towards fighting for their rights and freedom to be respected and ultimately realised.
“During the course of fighting repressive forces then, the late Luke Mataruka joined fellow indigenous church founders in providing essential services for the realisation of a just society.
“They did that despite the unpleasant environment where it was not fashionable to do so.
“The late Mataruka was among those leaders who offered counselling to community and membership, advocating for realisation of a just society, providing food, refuge and spiritual guidance for some courageous freedom fighters.”
Moyo added: “Indeed, he was among the true patriots, whose name should always feature in the history of our beloved African countries.”
- Fake promises might cost Zanu PF: CCA
- Churches preach peace as Zim celebrates Unity Day
- Passover tribute: Regional indigenous church group honours late founder
Keep Reading
“He was a true patriot whose major priority for Pan-Africanism was premised on shared national interests.”
Pferedzayi's successor and current leader, Arch-Bishop Saint Phillip Pferedzayi has accepted and received the award while calling on all indigenous churches to continue preaching, unity, love and development.
"Let us celebrate these achievements by our founder, whose efforts in transforming Africa was characterised with selfless serving and guided by ubuntu,” Saint Phillip said.
“We accept such an exceptional honour and this evokes our memories on how ethical leadership builds a just society whose legacy is premised on shared ethical and moral values from generation to generation.
“We also want to appreciate the sacrifice of our heroes and heroines (both surviving and late) whose efforts have ultimately led us to celebrate and enjoy independence.
“Freedom fighters' collaborative engagement efforts with indigenous church founders played a crucial role in the realisation of our independence.
“Let us continue preaching peace as the basic principle for sustainable development.
“As churches, we should complement the government's efforts in inculcating the sense of belonging, responsibility and unity. We should call upon all communities to prioritise national interest and patriotism.”
The St Luke's Apostolic Ejiwel Jekenishen church has grown its membership to nearly four million throughout southern Africa and beyond.
The event was attended by various members from Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, among others.
