Churches Find Role in “New Zimbabwe”
Rev. Dr Solomon Zwana, new general secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, says his organization and his country need the prayers and support of the world.
Speaking at a hearing on Zimbabwe held 1 September during World Council of Churches central committee meetings in Geneva, Zwana said it is a time of great transition in the African nation. A fragile power-sharing government is in place, a new constitution is being drafted, steps are being taken to stabilize an economy victimized by runaway inflation and high unemployment over the past decade, and efforts are beginning to heal the scars of recent turmoil.
Rev. Dr Solomon Zwana, new general secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, says his organization and his country need the prayers and support of the world.
Speaking at a hearing on Zimbabwe held 1 September during World Council of Churches central committee meetings in Geneva, Zwana said it is a time of great transition in the African nation. A fragile power-sharing government is in place, a new constitution is being drafted, steps are being taken to stabilize an economy victimized by runaway inflation and high unemployment over the past decade, and efforts are beginning to heal the scars of recent turmoil.
“There are so many things happening in Zimbabwe,” said Zwana, who began as general secretary in July. “Over the years we have gone through a lot of challenges … We are trying to be innovative to respond to the needs of the churches and the country.”
Zwana said the WCC has become “a very important player” in Zimbabwe due to its involvement in social and development issues and other programmes. When the WCC held its 8th Assembly in the capital of Harare in 1998, “It was a high point in the history of ecumenism in Zimbabwe,” Zwana said. “It was a boost of confidence for us, not just for the council of churches but for our nation.”
He said the assembly brought a “new understanding of ecumenism” to the country as well as a feeling of unity with the world. “It had a great impact among our local churches,” Zwana said. “It was really profound.”
Now, the churches of Zimbabwe are trying to regain that energy after years of challenge. Zwana said the council of churches wants to engage the new government and “really contribute to the new Zimbabwe”.
“We are still trying to revitalize ourselves as a voice to be reckoned with,” Zwana said, “to be a voice for the voiceless.”
Material resources are a real need in that rebuilding process, but Zwana said the council also greatly desires moral support and spiritual solidarity.
“One of the most important things is prayers from the ecumenical family,” Zwana said. “With that accompaniment, we may never give up. We will feel inspired to have the determination to play our part.”
WCC member churches in Zimbabwe:
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/member-churches/regions/africa/zimbabwe.html
More information on the Central Committee meeting:
http://www.oikoumene.org/cc2009