The Prophetic Role of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) in Promoting Justice, Peace, and Reconciliation in Zimbabwe: A Theological Analysis of Matthew 5:9

Abstract

This study examined the prophetic role of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) in promoting justice, peace, and reconciliation in Zimbabwe through a theological analysis of Matthew 5:9. The study was situated within a context marked by political conflict, social division, economic difficulties, and unresolved historical grievances. It examined the theological basis of the ZCC's prophetic role, its forms of engagement, the effectiveness of its interventions, and the contextual factors that shaped its work. A qualitative research design was used, drawing on five semi-structured key informant interviews, identified as Interviewees A–E, 32 open-ended questionnaires, and document analysis. The data was analysed thematically and interpreted through Matthew 5:9, contextual and practical theology, and Conflict Transformation Theory. The findings indicated that the ZCC exercises prophetic ministry through dialogue, mediation, advocacy, civic education, pastoral engagement, and reconciliation initiatives. Participants perceived the ZCC as an important moral and mediating voice, especially in creating spaces for dialogue and community engagement. At the same time, the study found limitations in translating dialogue and public advocacy into longer-term structural and political change. Political pressure, limited resources, denominational differences, and restricted civic space affected the consistency and reach of the ZCC's work. The study concluded that the ZCC makes a meaningful contribution to relational peacebuilding and social healing, but its broader transformative impact remains limited. The theological contribution of the study is that Matthew 5:9 presents peace-making as an active Christian vocation in which justice, truth, reconciliation and restored relationships are joined together. The Zimbabwean case also showed how African churches can embody this vocation while negotiating difficult political and institutional realities. The study recommended stronger grassroots participation, continued ecumenical cooperation, improved follow-up of dialogue processes and peacebuilding approaches that address both relational and structural dimensions of conflict.