Churches worldwide in solidarity with Zimbabwean people

Source: WCC

The World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World Communion of Reformed Churches and Methodist World Council sent a letter to the churches and people of Zimbabwe expressing solidarity with the nation in its difficult quest for human rights and justice.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the economic challenges and seriously affected the already fragile public health and education systems," the letter reads. "The ongoing medical doctor's strike has caused millions of Zimbabweans - including children and pregnant women - to have no access to essential medical care."

The letter notes that the failure to protect human rights lies in failed governance structures.

"We condemn the increasing use of force, violence and intimidation against people protesting these failures, targeting particularly those deemed to oppose the current government," reads the letter. "We are particularly concerned about the mistreatment of political activists and other advocates for human rights."

The letter condemns sexual abuse and violence against women activists, as well as the incarceration of journalists and political leaders.

"We believe that the God of life calls us into action for justice for the oppressed," reads the text. "We pledge our solidarity with you as we lift up your cries for justice, dignity, and protection of their human rights."

The organizations pledged to continue to advocate together. "Sisters and brothers, we assure you of the continued prayers of the global Christian family," concludes the letter. "Hold steadfast to the faith that we share, which binds us together in Christian unity, and compels us to seek justice and work for peace."

Read the full letter here:

Global Ecumenical Pastoral Letter to Zimbabwe

18 August 2020

Let justice roll down like water, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24)

To the churches and people of Zimbabwe,

Grace and peace from the God of life and the Lord Jesus Christ

Christian greetings from the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches and the Methodist World Council.

We have heard the laments of our sisters and brothers in your country and we are deeply concerned about the circumstances by which you are afflicted. We express our solidarity with all the people of Zimbabwe yearning for the realization of their human rights, for justice, and for physical and economic security in their communities.

We have heard of the deteriorating conditions for women, children, young people and men whose lives and livelihoods are facing increasingly serious threats each day, with approximately half of the entire population facing hunger, staggering unemployment rates, corruption and insecurity, the country is crying out for effective accompaniment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the economic challenges and seriously affected the already fragile public health and education systems. The ongoing medical doctor's strike has caused millions of Zimbabweans - including children and pregnant women - to have no access to essential medical care.

While we understand the gravity of the challenges posed by the pandemic, we also recognize that the root causes of corruption and the longstanding failure to protect human rights lie in failed governance structures.

We condemn the increasing use of force, violence and intimidation against people protesting these failures, targeting particularly those deemed to oppose the current government. We are particularly concerned about the mistreatment of political activists and other advocates for human rights. We strongly condemn the sexual abuse and violence against women activists. We find the incarceration of journalists and political leaders unacceptable.

We are encouraged by the ongoing ministry of churches in Zimbabwe to serve the most vulnerable and call on you to keep remembering the 'least of these' even as you remain steadfast in your hope in Christ Jesus. May your voice continue to be raised on behalf of the most vulnerable.

We believe that the God of life calls us into action for justice for the oppressed. We pledge our solidarity with you as we lift up your cries for justice, dignity, and protection of their human rights. We shall continue to advocate together with our member churches for this cause.

Sisters and brothers, we assure you of the continued prayers of the global Christian family. Hold steadfast to the faith that we share, which binds us together in Christian unity, and compels us to seek justice and work for peace.

In solidarity,

Rev Prof Dr Ioan Sauca, WCC Interim General Secretary
Rev Dr Martin Junge, LWF General Secretary
Rev Dr Chris Ferguson, WCRC General Secretary
Bishop Ivan M Abrahams, WMC, General Secretary