Tinotenda Hove – The Action Democratic Movement (ADM) has delivered one of its strongest messages yet to Zimbabwe’s churches, warning religious leaders against becoming mouthpieces for political power while ordinary citizens continue to suffer.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ADM said the Church was never meant to serve as “an extension of government power,” nor to offer cover for corruption or remain silent in the face of injustice. Instead, the party reminded church leaders that their true calling is to act as the nation’s moral compass.

ADM criticised what it described as a worrying trend: while the country faces deepening hardship, the prophetic voice of many churches has grown faint—muted by fear, privilege, or alliance with political actors.

The statement highlighted the painful realities confronting citizens:

• Children learning under trees
• Women dying in childbirth
• Families enduring hunger
• Victims of abuse suffering quietly
• Corruption consuming national resources

Against this backdrop, ADM said it is troubling that some churches “speak loudly on abortion” yet remain silent on child abuse, poverty, domestic violence, corruption, exploitation of congregants, and even sexual abuse within churches.

“The Gospel is not selective. Righteousness is not seasonal. Justice is not political. Truth is not negotiable,” the movement declared.

ADM insisted that its criticism is not an attack on Christianity but a call for the Church to rediscover its authenticity and courage. It urged religious leaders to reclaim their prophetic mandate by:

• Returning to truth even when it is uncomfortable
• Standing with the oppressed even at personal cost
• Rejecting corruption regardless of benefits
• Protecting vulnerable communities
• Speaking boldly for the voiceless
• Refusing political capture

“True Christianity is not about proximity to power—it is about courage to challenge power,” ADM said.

The statement concludes with a rallying cry for moral renewal:

“Rise again, Zimbabwean Church. Be the shepherd, not the spectator. Be the watchman, not the worshipper of power. Be the voice, not the echo.”

ADM’s strongly worded message is likely to ignite debate across religious and political sectors, especially as questions grow about the role of faith institutions in confronting national injustice.