Zimbabwe: churches plan unity initiative

Zimbabwe: churches plan unity initiative

Church leaders of all denominations have met this week to discuss ways in which they can work together to help bring about national reconstruction.

Representatives from the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace, the Zimbabwe National Pastors Conference, the Christian Alliance, the Anglican Diocese of Harare, the Ecumenical Support Services and New Frontiers-Zimbabwe, have issued a letter acknowledging their lack of moral leadership in the current crisis and setting out plans to work together in future.

The letter states: "The church in general has been divided and as such has been unable to satisfactorily meet the physical, moral and spiritual needs of the nation which is now in absolute crisis."

It goes on: "The church must genuinely repent to God and confess to the suffering people of Zimbabwe for not fulfilling the two greatest commandments: 'Love the Lord thy God' and 'Love thy neighbour."

A consultation which will include about 25 key church leaders will be held in a few weeks time. They will discuss unity, healing and reconciliation, and the role of the church in Zimbabwe's past, present and future.

'"The initiative for unity will enable church leaders to build relations with each other, support each other in the face of oppression, condemn as one the injustices that are now a daily part of life in Zimbabwe and through these actions of corporate healing so take on the mantle of healing the nation,' said William Anderson, Christian Aid's country manager in Zimbabwe.

" The church must now demonstrate genuine unity by standing with the poor, weak, suffering and oppressed people,'" said the Rev Jonah Gokova of the Zimbabwe National Pastors Conference.

Religious leaders will also discuss the setting up of a national Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the letter announced.

Source: Christian Aid