The Clergy: Guardians of Family Unity and Agents of Healing in a Broken World

In a world often fractured by division and discord, there remains one timeless truth that holds together the fabric of humanity—the family unit. A family is not merely a group of individuals bound by blood but a divine institution where love, growth, and mutual support are cultivated. The Apostle Pride Sibiya, Bishop of Glory Ministries, recently illustrated this truth in his heartfelt message to the public, calling for reconciliation and unity within the Mutukudzi family, a family of great cultural significance in Zimbabwe. His appeal was not just to that particular family but to all families, reflecting the deep-seated Christian belief in the importance of unity, forgiveness, and love.

Apostle Sibiya’s message was simple but profound: “Cease fire.” It wasn’t a call to ignore pain or suppress hurt, but rather a plea to protect the sanctity of the family, to guard hearts and minds from the destructive forces of bitterness and media exploitation. This appeal echoes the wisdom found in the scriptures, where love, reconciliation, and the pursuit of peace are constantly elevated as the cornerstones of strong relationships. The church has always been, and should always be, a beacon of hope in these moments—an institution that stands firm in defense of the family, offering healing and restoration when brokenness threatens to tear it apart.

The Divine Mandate of the Clergy

The role of the clergy extends beyond mere sermons and rituals; it carries a sacred mandate to preserve the unity and sanctity of the family. Clergy members like Apostle Sibiya are called to be the spiritual glue that binds individuals and families together, reminding them of their shared humanity and divine purpose. It is through this role that they serve as guardians of family values, encouraging forgiveness where there has been betrayal, love where there has been hatred, and reconciliation where there has been division.

As clergy, the mission is clear: to preach the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), to shepherd the flock of God with care (1 Peter 5:2), and to foster an environment where brokenness can be mended. Apostle Sibiya’s message is a poignant reminder of this sacred duty. His call for the family to sit down in dialogue, to engage in personal and corporate counseling, and to seek divine wisdom is not just advice but a divine prescription for healing. “Vechikuru garisai mhuri pasi!”—elders, gather the family—speaks directly to our African and Christian heritage of respect for the wisdom of elders and the communal approach to resolving conflicts.

The Power of Forgiveness and Love

Central to the message of Apostle Sibiya is the theme of forgiveness. The scriptures are clear on this matter: forgiveness is not optional for those who seek to live in harmony with God and others. Matthew 6:14-15 emphasizes that forgiveness is a prerequisite for receiving divine mercy. Apostle Sibiya rightly points out that love, as described in 1 Peter 4:8, “covers a multitude of sins.” This is the essence of Christ’s teachings—love that transcends human error, love that restores broken relationships, love that builds bridges over chasms of hurt and betrayal.

Forgiveness, however, is not merely an act of letting go; it is an act of embracing the potential for transformation. Families, especially those in the public eye like the Mutukudzis, face immense pressure from external forces, including the media, which often thrives on controversy and sensationalism. Apostle Sibiya warns that while the media may report factually, it must do so responsibly. As stewards of truth, the clergy must also remind the public and the press that the dignity of the family must be upheld. As much as the world loves drama, it is the role of spiritual leaders to advocate for stories of redemption and healing, not of perpetual conflict.

The Cultural and Religious Call for Family Unity

In African culture, the family is the bedrock of society. It is through the family that traditions are passed down, values are instilled, and individuals find their sense of identity and belonging. The teachings of Christianity amplify this cultural value by placing the family at the heart of God’s plan for humanity. The Bible begins with the creation of a family, and throughout its pages, the family is a recurring theme in the unfolding story of redemption.

Apostle Sibiya’s call for unity resonates deeply with both African tradition and Christian faith. In African societies, when a family is in crisis, it is the responsibility of the elders to intervene, to mediate, and to guide the family toward reconciliation. Similarly, in Christian communities, the clergy serve as spiritual elders, guiding families toward God’s plan for unity and restoration. As Apostle Sibiya noted, the issues faced by the Mutukudzi family are not unique, but their visibility is heightened because of their prominence. The same is true for countless families worldwide. Their struggles may not make headlines, but they still require the same intervention, the same guidance, and the same spiritual leadership.

The Church as a Refuge for Families

Apostle Sibiya’s message is also a reminder of the role the church plays as a refuge for those who have lost hope. Glory Ministries, under his leadership, has become a sanctuary for many, a place where individuals and families rediscover their potential and find healing from past wounds. This is the model that every church must strive to follow—a place where families, broken and whole, can come and experience the transformative power of God’s love.

In today’s world, where the pressures of modern life threaten to unravel the very fabric of family unity, the church must rise as the bastion of hope. It must be a place where people can find counsel, support, and most importantly, a community that understands the importance of family. As Apostle Sibiya stated, families need personal and corporate counseling, and this must be a service the church offers without hesitation.

A Call to Action: Clergies as Catalysts for Change

Now more than ever, the clergy are called to be proactive agents of change in their communities. The issues that plague families—be they relational, emotional, or financial—are complex, but the answer remains simple: love, truth, and forgiveness. Clergies across the globe must take up the mantle of being the glue that holds families together, not just in times of crisis but at all times. Whether through teaching, counseling, or community outreach, the clergy must be on the front lines, fighting for the unity and sanctity of the family.

The message of unity, as delivered by Apostle Sibiya, should inspire every member of the clergy to speak truth boldly, to advocate for reconciliation tirelessly, and to offer their churches as sanctuaries where families can heal. The church is not just a building; it is the body of Christ, a living, breathing organism that must reflect God’s heart for families. And God’s heart is clear—He desires unity, healing, and restoration for all.

Conclusion: Attend a Church Near You

Apostle Sibiya’s message is not only for the Mutukudzi family but for every family grappling with internal strife. His call to the clergy to spearhead unity within families is a call to action for every believer, every elder, every pastor, and every church leader. If you are reading this and find yourself in need of hope, healing, or direction, I urge you to attend a church near you—one that speaks the truth, one that builds family unity, and one that recognizes the potential within every family to reflect the love of God. For it is in the church, surrounded by a community of faith, that you will find the tools, support, and encouragement needed to restore your family and unlock its divine potential.

The clergy are here, not as perfect beings but as servants of a perfect God, ready to guide you on a path of healing and unity. Seek them out, and in doing so, seek out the heart of God for your family.