Source: Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD)
Our nation is presently undergoing a very difficult patch, economically, socially, politically and spiritually. The present challenges are beyond individual, organizational or institutional arrangement, requiring collective concerted efforts, wisdom, insight, cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders and concerned friends of Zimbabwe.
Government must provide the necessary leadership by clear and consistent communication on policy matters to avoid creating more chaos to an already chaotic situation.
As the Church, we strongly believe that sustained dialogue provides the pathway towards resolving any challenges that we currently face. It provides the basis for peaceful engagement while respecting the diversity of all Zimbabweans. Our Shona wisdom has it that “chara chimwe hachitswanye inda” (one finger cannot crush lice).
We hereby make an appeal for all concerned stakeholders to come together and agree to a commonly shared approach to the challenges that we are facing and enduring as a nation. We believe that everyone wants a Zimbabwe that is peaceful, prosperous and united. This is a Kairos moment for the nation to come together as one, be of one accord, with one mind and one spirit – that of building the Zimbabwe We Want.
We say NO to violence! NO to the destruction of property! NO to the loss of life!
We urge the restraint and tolerance as people express their constitutional rights. Citizens must air grievances using the frameworks provided by the law.
In the meantime, we appeal for calm as we collectively navigate this difficult season. May God grant us Zimbabweans the courage, faith and hope to face our challenges.
God bless Zimbabwe and her people!
ZHOCD Executives
- Bishop I. Mukuwanda – ZHOCD Chairperson (Zimbabwe Council of Churches);
- Bishop M. D. Bhasera (Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference President);
- Dr S. Munyeza (Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe President);
- Rev Mangwiro (Union for the Development of the Apostolic and Zionist Churches in Zimbabwe Africa President)