By Rev. Douglas Maundukuse, ZCC
Economic Justice Champion –
Mathew
17: KJV- Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and
cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast
opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto
them for me and thee.
The
concept of creation care, invites everyone to reflect on the role of people as
stewards of the earth. Genesis 1:26[1],
underscores humanity’s unique position as bearers of God’s image and custodians
of his creation. This theological foundation highlights people’s responsibility
to nurture and to safeguard the natural resources entrusted to them by God.
In
Zimbabwe, the biblical principle of being in a covenant with the stones of the
field, as mentioned in Job 5:23[2],
holds contemporary significance in the context of the country’s abundant
mineral resources. The scripture must be understood as a call to recognize and
honor the covenant relationship between humanity and the natural resources
found in the land. Zimbabwe, known for its rich mineral deposits, including
gold, platinum, and diamonds, is called to steward these resources responsibly
and ethically. Just as Job was encouraged to be in a league or covenant with
the stones of the field, so too are the people of Zimbabwe called to uphold a
sacred pact with their mineral wealth, ensuring that it is managed sustainably
for the benefit of present and future generations. This is a challenge to the
people of Zimbabwe to view their relationship with the land and its resources
through the lens of covenantal responsibility and stewardship.
In
Matthew 17:27, Jesus instructs Peter to go fishing and find a coin in the
fish’s mouth to pay the temple tax for both of them. This passage highlights
the importance of fulfilling one’s financial obligations, including paying
taxes. The Church, drawing from this biblical teaching, has the mandate to
instruct and remind mining companies and individuals in the mining value chain
of their moral duty to pay taxes on their mineral proceeds. The Church’s moral
authority stems from its role as a spiritual guide and moral compass in
society.
The
Church has the mandate to advocate for transparency and accountability in
financial matters, including tax payments. All individuals have to fulfill
their tax obligations ethically and responsibly. Ultimately, by invoking
Matthew 17:27 and emphasizing the moral imperative of paying taxes, the Church
has to play a vital role in promoting ethical behavior and financial
accountability among investors and mining companies involved in natural
resource extraction. This advocacy contributes to a more just and equitable
distribution of resources, ensuring that the community benefits from the
sustainable management of its mineral wealth.
The
duty of the Church to advocate for equal opportunities in mining is deeply
rooted in the biblical call for justice and equity. In God’s eyes, all people
are equal and deserving of fair treatment and access to resources. The Church,
as a moral compass in society, has a responsibility to speak out against
injustices and advocate for policies that ensure that marginalized communities
have equal opportunities in the mining sector. This advocacy is not just about
economic fairness but also about upholding the dignity and rights of all
individuals, as they are all created in the image of God.
Similarly,
the duty of the Church to educate people to take care of the ecosystem stems
from the biblical mandate of stewardship. From the creation narrative in
Genesis to the Psalms that declare the earth belongs to the Lord, Scripture
consistently emphasizes humanity’s role as caretakers of God’s creation. By
educating people on the importance of caring for the ecosystem, the Church is
fulfilling its duty to uphold responsible stewardship and protect the
environment for future generations. This education can empower individuals to
make informed choices that prioritize sustainability and conservation,
reflecting their reverence for God’s creation.
Furthermore,
the duty of the Church to give awareness to people to stay in harmony with
natural resources is a reflection of the call to live in harmony with all of
God’s creation. When humans are in harmony with nature, they are honoring the
interconnectedness and interdependence of all living beings. By promoting this
awareness, the Church inspire individuals to live in harmony with nature,
fostering a deeper appreciation for God’s creation and a commitment to
preserving it for future generations.
In
a nutshell, the theological reflection on the role of the Church in natural
resource governance highlights the urgent need for responsible stewardship of
God’s creation, particularly in regions like Mutasa District in Zimbabwe where
challenges persist despite the abundance of gold deposits. The call for the Church
to reclaim its position as a trusted convener is crucial in engaging all
stakeholders within the mining industry to ensure that the minerals found in
the region are translated into real value for the Mutasa community. By
upholding the principles of covenantal responsibility and stewardship, the Church
can play a vital role in advocating for ethical and sustainable practices in
natural resource governance, ultimately promoting justice, equity, and a
society where everyone enjoys holistic salvation.
[1] 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in
our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish
in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild
animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along
the ground.”
[2] “For you will have a covenant with the stones of the
field, and the wild animals will be at peace
with you.”
