Zimbabwe: Jesuits offer sanctuary to victims of violence

As tensions heighten in the run-up to the elections in Zimbabwe, the Jesuits there have pledged to give sanctuary in their churches to anyone fleeing violence in the country. On 11 February, the order issued an appeal to young people in Zimbabwe not to join state-sponsored gangs who are roaming the streets of the country's towns, attacking property and beating up anyone not carrying a Zanu PF card. See: ICN 11 February 2002 Zimbabwe: Jesuits appeal to youth There are 194 members of the Zimbabwean Jesuit province, including 35 from the UK. The elections will be held on 9-10 March.