By Kudakwashe Matambo
Archbishop Alex Thomas Kaliyanil SVD, has challenged young people to ensure they understand Catholic Social Teachings, work for the common good, refuse false propaganda and “stand for and defend the truth” informed by their conscience.
Addressing members of the National Movement of Catholic Students on the role of students in civic participation, Archbishop Alex Thomas said, for Catholics, “conscience is at the core.”
NMCS is on a drive to encourage students and youth participation in electoral processes through a campaign called Pray, Register, Vote.
Archbishop Thomas said young people’s participation in civic processes must be guided by conscience and truth, and that “conscience must be educated and developed.”
“Ensure there is common good, and stand for a good ideology, and refuse false propaganda and false teaching if you are a good Catholic,” he said.
“You have a duty and you must exercise your duty based on your conscience, but as youngsters don’t be fooled by propaganda because the problem in Zimbabwe is that the youths are vulnerable and are used.”
Young people have been found wanting in many cases of political violence, and are used for cheap political gain.
He went on to say the Church’s role is “to ensure there is fairness, quality of life and justice in a society.”
Regarding political parties, the prelate, in a bold encouragement, said “the Church is not partisan,” its stand for everyone, but “you are free to support any ideology which can make a positive change.”
He went on to encourage students and young people to ‘register to vote and defend the truth’ in a peaceful manner.
The country is preparing for by-elections on the 26th of March in 28 constituencies which is been seen as a rehearsal for the country’s 2023 harmonised elections.
Unfortunately, some of the campaigns have already been marked by political violence.
In fighting for the truth, the Archbishop said the ‘every Catholic must have a deeper understanding of the Catholic Social Teaching, and be credible.’
English