President urges church to support fight against dr...

President urges church to support fight against drug and substance abuse

Zim Now Writer

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the Roman Catholic Church to support government initiatives in fighting drug and substance abuse endemic, noting that the church remains invaluable to national development agenda.

The President was speaking at the 25th Episcopal Ordination Anniversary of Archbishop Robert Ndlovu of the Roman Catholic Church yesterday at the Catholic University, where he commended the relationship between the church and government, seen in complimentary roles in development and participation in social services infrastructure development.

President Mnangagwa said the Catholic Church, which has a number of schools under its administration, has helped the nation in shaping and naturing pupils in good moral standing and patriotism, which is key to the country’s development goals, as well as instilling moral uprightness that acts as a repellent to drug abuse.

He also added that the church being one of the best government partners in the health and educational sector, has been instrumental in safeguarding and preserving society’s moral fabric.

“We look forward to the support of the Catholic Church in our quest to stamp out drug and substance abuse, as well as raise morally upright, productive and patriotic young people.

“Roman Catholic schools, hospitals and many other institutions have been instrumental in driving our national development imperatives, especially in the education and health sectors.

“Many of the leaders of our country in both the public and private spheres have passed through your schools,” President Mnangagwa said.

Archbishop Ndlovu succeeded the late Archbishop Chakaipa in 2004, however his Episcopal Ordination was in 1999.