Overcoming Fear by Faith: Churches in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe
A call to Prayer
The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) and the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) wish to invite churches, faith communities and all people to a day of prayer for Zimbabwe on the 21st December 2008. The talks facilitated by former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, have not yielded the desired political situation that everybody had hoped for. Meanwhile Zimbabwe has continued to plunge into a situation of collapse of the economy, continued violence and victimization of people who are perceived to oppose the ruling elite, and the disintegration of the political institutions of the country.
A call to Prayer
The Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA) and the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) wish to invite churches, faith communities and all people to a day of prayer for Zimbabwe on the 21st December 2008. The talks facilitated by former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, have not yielded the desired political situation that everybody had hoped for. Meanwhile Zimbabwe has continued to plunge into a situation of collapse of the economy, continued violence and victimization of people who are perceived to oppose the ruling elite, and the disintegration of the political institutions of the country.
The situation is worsening by the day, and many Zimbabweans continue to flee to neighbouring countries. This grim situation is compounded by the recent outbreak of the cholera epidemic. Unfortunately the health facilities have broken down and the system cannot cope with the crisis. The result has been devastating with the loss of close to five hundred lives, according to official reports.
Zimbabwe is on the brink of collapse, unless something urgent is done. Robert Mugabe should not be allowed to continue to destroy a country by his clinging to illegitimate power. We therefore call upon the SADC leadership to find a political solution that will give a chance for democratic change. We also call on civic and political leaders in Southern Africa to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe.
This is the situation that moves us to invite all to prayer and solidarity action for Zimbabwe. On the day stated above, which is the eve of unity day in Zimbabwe, we invite all to be united in prayer. Liturgical resources will be provided to assist churches in their prayers on the day of prayer. We also encourage ecumenical formations and other church structures to organize prayer rallies on the afternoon of the 21st December 2008.
Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa
Rev. Dr. Prince Dibeela, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa