By Margaret Kamba 

Patriotic Churches in Zimbabwe National Chairman Dr Benjamin Joseph Murata says churches that support the opposition are misguided as the Bible has no room for that.

Challenging his organization's church leaders to read the Bible thoroughly, Apostle Murata highlighted that the Bible is quite clear that they must be supportive of the ruling Party as this is expected of them.

He said these remarks during the launch of the Patriotic Churches in Zimbabwe Matabeleland South Province chapter in Gwanda over the weekend.

"Many people think that God did not guide the heroes and heroines of this country when they fought for Zimbabwe's independence from colonial rule. As churches we must stand guided by the Bible which says that David asked for guidance to have his army defeat the enemy. The way we do things must change. We must lead by example as the Church and pray for the spirit of God to lead us," Apostle Murata said.

"A pastor must read the Bible and understand it. The Bible says to observe those in authority. Where then do we get the right to support opposition leaders."

Apostle Murata added that there is need for the churches to support the ruling Government as it is bringing development to the country.

"Let's participate in the devolution programmes of our country guided by the NDS1 announced by His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa by ensuring economically viable projects because of the patriotic principle of nyika inovakwa nevene vayo."

The Patriotic Churches in Zimbabwe is launching its chapters across the country in a move aimed at empowering its churches to love their country and develop it.