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The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) has said the unresolved August 2023 election dispute has worsened the suffering of ordinary citizens and that there is a general feeling that the country is moving towards a one-party State.
In a statement issued on Monday, 12 February, to mark the beginning of the Catholic Church Lenten season, ZCBC said Zimbabweans are worried that democracy is slowly dying. Said the bishops:
<blockquote>
Our local environment has not been exempted from the global challenges noted above. Our country continues to suffer from the displacement of families due to the non-performance of the economy.
The decision by the Government to raise taxes at a time when ordinary people can hardly afford a meal a day has worsened the family situation.
For the majority of the elderly and the poor in particular, it has become unbearable to live. Prices of basic commodities are increasingly expensive.
The unresolved political contests since the August 2023 elections have not left the country in a good space.
Locally, there are fears among people that we are moving towards a one-party State, with democracy dying a slow death.
</blockquote>
The Catholic bishops said most of the challenges facing people are a result of “bad politics”. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
Whereas some of these ills are a result of natural disasters, most of them are man-made and are not accidental.
Poverty in the world is a direct result of the political and economic policies of governments, political parties and big businesses.
It is a result of policies and systems. In the light of bad politics, failed economic systems and their devastating effects, many people are in despair.
</blockquote>
The remarks by the Catholic bishops come as a small group of CCC activists connived with State institutions to reverse the results of the 23 August 2023 general elections and give ZANU PF a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, the Lower House of Parliament.
Fronted by one Sengezo Tshabangu who claimed to be CCC’s interim secretary-general, the activists recalled dozens of the party’s MPs and Councillors who won their seats in a hostile political environment.
After effecting the recalls, Tshabangu and his colleagues did not bother fielding candidates in some of the contested wards, allowing ZANU PF candidates to win uncontested.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Zimbabweans Suffering Due To Unresolved Electoral Dispute - Catholic Bishops

The National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) has reaffirmed its stance on sexuality, that marriage is between a man and a woman.
This comes after Pope Francis, who is the head of the Roman Catholic Church, recently allowed priests to bless same-sex couples.
According to a document issued by the Vatican recently, Pope Francis said priests should be permitted to bless same-sex and “irregular” couples, under certain circumstances.
However, in a statement issued on 21 December, the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Cameroon) denounced the new position announced by Pope Francis, saying homosexuality is an abomination. Read the statement:
<blockquote>
DECLARATION OF THE BISHOPS OF CAMEROON ON HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE BLESSING OF “HOMOSEXUAL COUPLES”
Faced with the semantic abuses designed to distort the value of realities and the true meaning of the notions of family, couple, spouse, sexuality and marriage;
Faced with the wave of indignation, questioning and concern that the Declaration “Fiducia supplicans” on the question of the blessing of same-sex couples has aroused among the people of God;
For the sake of human dignity and the salvation of all humanity in Jesus Christ; We, the Bishops of Cameroon, unanimously declare the following on the subject of homosexuality and the blessing of “homosexual couples”:
1. In conformity with our 2013 Declaration on Homosexuality, we strongly reaffirm the truth of the Church, Mother and Educator, which teaches the sacredness of the sexual identity of man and woman created in the image of God (Gn 1:26), of the dignity of their sexuality and of marriage which is the foundation of the family. The human person is created male and female: “Male and female he created them” (Gn 1:26). This invariable difference, which is the foundation of their relationship and their complementarity, is fulfilled in the bonds of marriage.
2. Homosexuality falsifies and corrupts human anthropology and trivialises sexuality, marriage and the family, the foundations of society. In the African culture, this practice is not part of family and social values. It is a flagrant violation of the heritage bequeathed to us by our ancestors. In the history of people, the practice of homosexuality has never led to societal evolution but is a clear sign of the imploding decadence of civilizations. Homosexuality sets humanity against itself and destroys it.
3. The profound identity of sexuality is misunderstood, hijacked and perverted outside the conjugal relationship between man and woman. Consequently, homosexual acts are not “sexual”, but “acts against nature” (Rm 1, 26).
4. Marriage is an institution that legitimizes sexual relations and procreation for the foundation of a new family. It is the union of a man and a woman who commit themselves to the life of a couple, to find a family and to live together in love. Homosexual unions are not marriages. They distort the meaning of marriage by reducing it to a sterile, pleasure-seeking and perverse bond: “infamy between man and man” (Rom 1:26).
5. Homosexuality is not a human right. It is an alienation that seriously harms humanity because it is not based on any value proper to the human being: it is a dehumanization of love, “an abomination”. (Lev, 18, 22). Rejecting it is in no way being discriminative; it is a legitimate protection of the constant values of humanity in the face of a vice that has become the subject of a claim to legal recognition and, today, the subject of a blessing.
6. Literally, “To bless is to speak well of”. And to “speak well of” to gain grace through the gesture of blessing a “homosexual couple” would be tantamount to encouraging a choice and a practice of life that cannot be recognised as being objectively ordered to the revealed designs of God. What is more, differentiating between liturgical and non-liturgical contexts to apply the blessing to same-sex “couples” is hypocritical. The act of blessing, whether performed in a liturgical assembly or in private, remains a blessing. We therefore declare non-compliant any form of blessing, public or private, that tends to recognize “same-sex couples” as a state of life.
7. Faithful to the constant teaching of Ecclesial Tradition which declares acts of homosexuality intrinsically disordered and contrary to the natural law (Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 2357), we, the Bishops of Cameroon, reiterate our disapproval of homosexuality and homosexual unions.
8. Consequently, we formally forbid all blessings of “homosexual couples” in the Church of Cameroon.
9. Since God does not want the death of the sinner, but his/her conversion to eternal life, we recommend those who are inclined to homosexuality to the prayers and compassion of the Church, with a view to their radical conversion. We also invite them to turn away from their mentality of victimization in which they take pleasure in considering themselves as “victims”, “weak”, and “minorities”; to seize the opportunity for conversion that God gives them in the many exhortations of His Word.
</blockquote>
The statement was signed by Andrew Fuanya Nkea, who is the Archbishop of Bamenda and President of NECC.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Catholic Bishops In Cameroon Reject Pope Francis' New Stance On Homosexuality

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops have expressed concern about the constant threat to peace in the country. They stated that the threat does not come from war, but from new challenges that disturb people’s calm and tranquillity. They highlighted the high levels of crime, an increase in armed robberies, and domestic violence within families. In a pastoral letter seen by Pindula News, they mentioned the perpetual state of being in an election mood, which brings fear and unease. They noted that elections in Zimbabwe are often marked by violence. We present the letter below:
<blockquote>
<h3>ZIMBABWE CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE </h3>
PASTORAL LETTER 
21 NOVEMBER 2023 
The Coming of Christ; “The Prince of Peace”
“For the child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on his shoulders; And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”(Isaiah 9:6).
1. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Men and Women of good will, as the Church begins the Season of Advent, we your shepherds and fellow citizens would like to exhort and reflect with you on this Holy season. Advent is in many ways a season of contradictions. In terms of the Church calendar we are at the beginning of the new Church year and yet civilly we are in the last month of the calendar. Socially, the season is lived in the frenzy of shopping getting ourselves ready for Christmas. Spiritually, we are preparing for the coming of Christ. We remember the Lord’s promise that he will come at the end of time. We also remember that Christ once came and inhabited our common home: mother earth. That was when he was born in Bethlehem of Judea.
2. Christ’s first coming was heralded by the prophets who called him the “Prince of Peace.” At his birth the angels sang “Glory to God in the highest and peace to people of good will. Though Advent presents us with many themes for reflection, the theme of peace seems to be the most imposing one. Globally, we are in a world that has seen a prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine. As if that was not enough, we now have another war in Israel and Palestine. Our own continent is not exempt. In its different regions we have pockets of violence that have seen many people living as the internally displaced or refugees.
3. As a nation our peace is constantly under threat. Not that there is a war threat, far from that, but we are seeing new threats to people’s calm and tranquility, which is what the Hebrew word for peace, “Shalom” entails. There is a high level of crime in many communities. We have seen the upsurge of armed robberies. Gender-based violence in families is on the rise. Politically, we seem to be perpetually in the election mood, a reality that in this country, sends a shudder down the spine. For our elections are characterized by violence.
4. Before and during the elections we made a plea for peace. We emphasized the dignity of the human person, the importance of tolerance, co-existence and suggested the politics of persuasion. We would like to express our gratitude to all citizens who did heed the message of peace. The past election was indeed different. It was not characterized by violence. That should be applauded. Though this is not to say there was no violence. We had hoped that as a nation we had seen the light and we were beginning to appreciate each other as citizens with divergent views and people of different persuasions, men and women who can rise above their differences. Sadly, as reported by the different election observers, our elections left a lot to be desired. They were characterized by a new form of violence: refusal to let the nation’s voices be heard through the ballot. That act of robbing people of their voices is a form of violence that should be condemned by all people of integrity, by all loving and peaceful citizens.
5. In the post-election period most of the gains that we had made; the promotion of peace, diffusing the tensions between various political players and their supporters were lost. There were retributions targeting those who were perceived to have voted wrongly, whatever that means! With the recent political recalls of the elected members of parliament, senators and councilors, the nation has been thrust into a new form of violence: people rightfully elected, can wantonly be recalled. It would seem the voices of the people who voted can easily be ignored. as if they were insignificant. Were those elected not given the mandate by the people? What happens when the people’s voices are silenced by the masters of political expediency? One thing for certain is that people feel they are not respected and listened to. This breeds tensions and many who have no ways of diffusing them bottle them up. This is not healthy for people and the society. If it is true that. ‘an injury to one of us is an injury to all of us; then we are all living in a wounded Society.
6. What d worse is what these recalls have unearthed. Apart from holding all of us in the dreaded perpetual election mode. they have given birth to violence. Even those who, for a short while, had shunned violence. have fallen back on their default position of violent campaigns. People are being abducted, brutalized and left for dead. Recently, a life was lost because of politics What is the objective of this violence? Is it to terrorize people into voting for a particular candidate or not to vote at all? We would like to reiterate what we said before the August elections when we directed our plea to the citizens “…Refuse to oe used in violent attacks against your fellow brothers and sisters. Any party or politician that incites violence or persuades you to loin in violent attacks, is not worthy of your vote. Give your vote to those who deserve it’ To the politicians we said,” _Peace begins with each one of us. In your roles, be ambassadors of peace. Let no blood be shed in your name and for your vote. Remember, “The bloodshed in the land cries out to God (Gen. 4: 10).
7. Together as we prepare to welcome Christ at Christmas, let us remember that when the “Prince of Peace.- and that He Hour Peace. The peace of Christ finds abode. In those who are calm and enjoy tranquility, it also embraces what the ancient Greeks said peace entails- unity and accord. Calm and tranquility, unity and accord are not far from our reach, we can achieve these if once again we recognise the dignity of the human person, something that Christ upheld by choosing to be born In human form and being in solidarity with us which is what his coming as “The Prince of Peace,” entails: ‘He identifies with us in all things but sin’ (Hebrews 4:15).
8. This Advent we once again appeal to our political leaders to denounce politically motivated violence. To the law enforcement agents, bring perpetrators of political violence to book. To the legislators, revisit the enacted laws that can easily be manipulated at the expense of the people’s basic rights and freedoms. It Is in the same vein that we would like to remind everyone that we all have a duty to work for the promotion of peace and to be agents of peace. We all need peace. Lack of peace has a negative effect on our country. Economically, it works against all our ideals of a middle Income economy and the realization of vision 2030. Socially, it breeds animosity and creates a divided nation. Spiritually, it robs us of our identity as the sons and daughters of God for, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called the sons of God’ (Matthew 5:9).
9. In this reflection we would like to exhort all peace4oving Zimbabweans to pray for peace particularly in our land and everywhere in solidarity with other people in other parts of the world which are troubled Let us work to foster peace, the greatest good that facilitates the development of nations and the progress of people. May the Lord look with a kindly countenance on our efforts to promote and build peace. We pray for all those whose mandate In the land is to safeguard the rights of our people that they may never tire in working for the creation of peaceful environments. May Christ, ‘the Prince of Peace’ who Is our Peace come and transform our attitudes and make all of us instruments of his peace.
We wish you a blessed Advent season and the peace of Christmas. 
Prayer 
“The Lord bless you and keep you; 
The Lord make His face shine upon you 
and be gracious to you; 
the Lord turn his face towards you give you His peace’ 
Amen. (Numbers 6: 24 26).
</blockquote>
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Full Text: "As A Nation Our Peace Is Constantly Under Threat" - Catholic Bishops

Pastoral statement by Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) CCJPZ chairman Right Rev. Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro on the 2023 Harmonised Elections:
<blockquote>
ZCBC STATEMENT ON THE AUGUST 2023 HARMONISED ELECTIONS
31 AUGUST 2023
“Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:27) 
Zimbabwe went to the polls on the 23. and 24. of August 2023 to elect their Presidential Candidate, House of Assembly, and Local Government leaders, who will administer the country in the next 5 years.
The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) commends the nation for faithfully holding these elections every five years as provided for in the 2013 Constitution of Zimbabwe.
Against this background, the Catholic Church commends all political players, and the electorate for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner as they exercised their constitutional right to vote. 
The ZCBC applauds the Government of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), all Political Parties and the electorate in their pre-election planning, preparations, management of the elections and the peaceful environment.
The presence of the law enforcement agents especially the Zimbabwe Republic Police, contributed a lot in the maintenance of peace and order during the electoral period.
The ZRP helped in most polling centres by removing some groups of people who had erected some exit poll survey desk at some polling stations.
We also applaud the efforts made by the President of the Republic in extending the voting period to the 24. of August 2023 in the communities that had not voted due to delays in the dispatching of voting material.
Above all, the timely release of the election results by ZEC, before the expiry of the stipulated five-day period, is greatly appreciated.
In this regard, we appeal to the people to remain steadfast and cherish the peaceful environment. 
However, there were many challenges observed regarding the administration of the just-ended elections that we as ZCBC need to point out. These included the following:
<ul>
<li>Delays in the starting of the voting process after opening in some places across the country.</li>
<li>Late delivery of ballot papers at polling stations, which extended the voting processes into the next day.</li>
<li>There were no adequate lighting facilities in some polling stations.</li>
<li>In some polling stations, there was an unavailability of voting material</li>
<li>Some voters had challenges to find their names on the voter’s roll.</li>
<li>In some parts of the country, there were groups of people who mounted exit poll survey desks near the polling stations, displaying logos of a political party.</li>
<li>In some instances, there were displays of campaign material on the road leading to polling stations and distribution of campaign regalia to voters at polling stations and action contrary to the electoral laws.</li>
<li>Worryingly in some communities, it was noted that there was distribution of material discouraging people from voting.</li>
</ul>
Therefore, such practices would surely bring our elections into dispute due to some form of cohesion on the part of the electorate.
In reflection on the above-mentioned challenges, as ZCBC, we encourage ZEC to give an account to the nation about the delays and procurement of voting material and the missing names on the voter’s roll.
The opening of the polling centres during the night may surely bring to question the preparedness of ZEC to the just-ended election.
An audit of the whole exercise may give relief to the electorate to whom ZEC is answerable. This may help the nation to be satisfied with our electoral process. 
In the spirit of peace and love after the elections, we call upon all the aggrieved parties to redress their grievances following the legal procedures.
As ZCBC, we totally discourage hate speech by some members of political parties. Actions that restrain and disrupt other political parties’ gathering violate the right to association as enshrined in Section 58 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) 2013.
Let us shun barbaric actions that are contrary to the Christian ethos and national values as stated in the Preamble of our national Constitution.
Violent actions paint a negative picture of the whole election process. We call for respect to our International Mission Observers and let their objective assessment of the elections help us as a nation to correct ourselves and move on.
Their input should enrich us and act as the light of Christ showing the nation, where corrections are needed. 
We therefore advocate for peace and condemn all forms of actions that may disrupt the post-election peaceful environment.
The ZCBC continuously calls for peace and tolerance during this post-election period for the continued growth of our beloved nation.
The Church remains ready to serve the nation in its peaceful processes. God reminds us in Micah 6:8 to, “do justice, show constant love and live in humble fellowship with him”).
We ask you all, to continuously pray for peace and tolerance in our beloved nation. Let the light of Christ shine upon the people of Zimbabwe and show them the way to go amidst these post-election events.
In this way, we display the conduct worthy of the Gospel as we search for answers to our post-election grievances.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Roman Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Statement On 2023 Harmonised Elections | Full Text

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) has issued a Pastoral Statement ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for 23 August 2023.
In the statement, issued on 05 July 2023, the ZCBC reminded Zimbabwean citizens that it is their right and duty to vote for a candidate of their choice.
The bishops urged voters to refuse to be used by politicians to engage in acts of politically motivated violence or to vote for those who incite violence. Reads the letter in part:
<blockquote>
Let your voices be heard through the ballot. It is your right and duty as citizens that you vote.
In so doing you determine the nation that you want, and you choose its leaders for the next five years.
Your vote is your personal decision and an expression of your freedom. Do not be intimidated, coerced, or manipulated to vote against your will.
Refuse to be used in violent attacks against your fellow brothers and sisters. 
Any party or politician that incites violence or persuades you to join in violent attacks, is not worthy of your vote.
Give your vote to those who deserve it. Of the many choices that you are presented with, be discerning with the aid of the Holy Spirit and choose who you want.
This election is not about friends and enemies. If it presents us with choices, it is because of the varying ideologies that political parties uphold, not that we are sworn enemies.
We are one people, Zimbabweans, divided we fall, but united we stand. United we must stand and be fellow workers in building up our country.
</blockquote>
The ZCBC also implored politicians to desist from inciting their supporters to commit violence against opponents but to be an influence for good. ZCBC said:
<blockquote>
You have a huge responsibility for the lives of our people. In these weeks you have spaces and the power to influence the citizens. Exercise this privilege responsibly… 
History will judge you harshly, should the nation be divided because of you. After all the campaigns and elections have come and gone, there remains not just party people to be governed, but the whole nation.
If you divide the citizens now, it will be difficult to govern a divided nation. As you go about your campaigns persuade the citizens to vote for you, convince them of your ideas and aim for willing support.
Dear politicians you need no reminder from us of the power of speech. Words have the potential to build and destroy.
Be responsible in your utterances. Work to build and promote peace. Avoid the use of inflammatory, politically charged and derogatory language.
These can easily fan hatred and incite violence. As you campaign, let your campaign managers and followers take heed of your example, and be agents of peace.
Let the values of love, justice, peace, unity, tolerance and harmony characterize this year’s campaigns. Peace begins with each one of us.
In your roles, be ambassadors of peace. Let no blood be shed in your name and for your vote.
</blockquote>
The ZCBC also urged the media to “be non-partisan, and cover all parties in the same manner.”
The bishops said the media should report on issues factually and to avoid misrepresentations and biased reporting.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Don't Vote For Perpetrators Of Violence, Catholic Bishops Tell Zimbabweans

The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has condemned the recent violence perpetrated against elderly villagers in Murehwa North perceived to be CCC supporters by suspected ZANU PF activists.
In a statement issued on 12 January 2023, and signed by ZCBC president Rt. Rev Paul Horan and vice president Rt. Rev Raymond Mupandasekwa, the bishops demanded the arrest and prosecution of the assailants as well as the provision of support to the victims of the violence by authorities. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
We the members of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) would want to condemn the barbaric act of violence captured on a video that circulated on social media over the weekend. 
The most disturbing thing is that the violent acts are meted out against senior citizens, people who should be enjoying the rights brought about by our independence. 
What is more worrisome is that the violence captured in the video is politically related. A voice can be heard asking the senior citizens as to what a particular political party has done for them. 
As the nation heads towards the harmonized elections, we urge all political players to desist from the use of violence and the use of young people to commit violent crimes. 
Violence should not be employed to gain political mileage. The people’s fundamental rights should be respected at all times. 
Citizens of this nation have rights enshrined in our Constitution. Among those rights is the freedom of choice, association and political rights.
We would like to urge all parties to be responsible in their campaigns. Sell to the people your ideologies, and convince them with your arguments. As you do so, respect their choices. 
There is no citizen who should be intimidated or coerced, and worse still, be beaten to make a choice. That speaks against human dignity. 
As a nation we have in the past seen a lot of violence around elections; let this election be different.
The people of this country dream and yearn for a free, credible and fair election. It’s not the casting of ballots that ascertains that, it’s the environment we create before, during and after elections. 
It is therefore incumbent on the government, political parties, and all institutions that we create a level playing field. 
Equal opportunities should be given to all who want to participate in this coming election. There should be no fear or favour. 
Heinous violent crimes such as the one captured on the ‘Murehwa video’ should be condemned by all parties.
We, therefore, call for zero tolerance to violence. The culture of violence speaks against the moral fabric of our society. 
To curb nurturing such a culture we call upon the government through its various institutions to bring the perpetrators of violence to justice and may the victims of that violence be protected and given the necessary care.
</blockquote>

Catholic Bishops Condemn Murewa North Violence

Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops have called for “meaningful, inclusive dialogue” to resolve the country’s economic and political crisis.
In a pastoral letter on Monday, the bishops said many Zimbabweans are living in abject poverty and cases of politically-motivated violence are on the rise ahead of the 2023 elections. They said:
<blockquote>
These elections are already being preceded by political intolerance, violence and bloodshed…
What has exacerbated our situation is the economic instability of the country which has brought with it instability in the financial markets resulting in continuous increases in the prices of basic commodities leaving them beyond the reach of the poor.
</blockquote>
The bishops also said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s political and economic policies have failed. They said:
<blockquote>
If, as Catholic social teaching says, the value of policies is assessed by how they impact the poor, then one can safely say that our political and economic policies have failed.
There is so much dehumanising poverty and despair among our people.
</blockquote>
The bishops said only “meaningful, inclusive dialogue” can address the country’s economic and political crisis. They said:
<blockquote>
In order to overcome our socio-political and economic challenges, there is a need for a meaningful inclusive dialogue in the country.
If there is a lesson from our synodal journey, it is precisely that we cannot go it alone.
No single political party has all the answers, hence the importance of listening to each other as we journey together.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2022/07/catholic-bishops-call-for-meaningful-inclusive-dialogue-in-zimbabwe/">ZimLive</a>

Zimbabwe's Catholic Bishops Call For Inclusive Dialogue

While in an interview with the National Catholic Reporter, Father Frederick Chiromba, who is the secretary-general of the bishops’ conference said they hope the pastoral letter they penned to the government might yield better results and prompt the government to initiate a process of engagement and dialogue and transformation.
Father Chiromba said:
<blockquote>The preferred way forward is to see the pastoral letter initiating a process of engagement, dialogue and transformation.</blockquote>
Speaking about the backlash the Bishops got from the government on the Pastoral letter, Father Chiromba said the Bishops were still to sit down and deliberate on a response to the government:
<blockquote>The conference has not met so far to reflect on the aftermath, but the solidarity, both local and international, is overwhelming. ZCBC is prepared to participate and contribute fully to political dialogue and resolution of the Zimbabwe situation.
Although Mnangagwa has committed to working with the church, he has not shied away from attacking the bishops. Some of his ministers have even labelled the Zimbabwean Catholic bishops as evil. The Zimbabwean leader <a href="https://allafrica.com/stories/202008200422.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">said Aug. 19</a> that his administration “remain[s] committed to working well with the church to advance the national development agenda.
But Mnangagwa also threw down a gauntlet. “It is most unfortunate when men of the cloth begin to use the pulpit to advance a nefarious agenda for detractors of our country</blockquote>
Another Bishop who spoke on condition of anonymity echoed Father Chiromba’s sentiment and said they want to participate in finding a solution to the Zimbabwean crisis through dialogue:
<blockquote>Criticism in the aftermath of the pastoral letter was expected because these are uncomfortable truths, but the church also has a duty to intervene and contribute to peace building and to say things as they are,” said the prelate.
This will always guide our interventions and we would be more than willing to participate in finding solutions through dialogue, which we firmly believe in as a tool to resolve the crisis our country finds itself in</blockquote>
The Bishops after they were attacked by the government for the Pastoral letter received support from different organisations and different churches who released statements in solidarity with the underfire clerics.
More: <a href="https://www.thezimbabwean.co/2020/09/zimbabwean-bishops-hope-their-criticism-of-government-stirs-national-dialogue/">The Zimbabwean</a>

We Hope The Pastoral Letter Can Initiate A Process Of Engagement, Dialogue & Transformation - Bishops

ZANU PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa has claimed that the Pastoral Letter issued by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) on 14 August was written by MDC Alliance leaders Nelson Chamisa and Tendai Biti.
Addressing journalists at the party’s headquarters in Harare on Tuesday, Chinamasa said the hard-hitting letter released by Catholic Bishops could only have been written by Chamisa and Biti. Said Chinamasa:
<blockquote>We dismiss these allegations with the contempt they deserve, not only as baseless but pandering to the demands of the MDCs.
The language was clearly tilted. In fact, you would say that the language seemed to have been written by Chamisa or Biti, most likely Biti.
We are saying to the bishops, before you speak, please ask for dialogue with our President. We are open to any dialogue on any issue that affects Zimbabweans, that affects their lives.
We will not allow any tendencies that precipitate us to violent situations or which give encouragement to noises that want to precipitate violent outcomes for our country.</blockquote>
In their pastoral letter, the Catholic bishops called on the government to order over human rights violations and corruption.
The government immediately responded by calling the bishops “genocidal”, “evil-minded” and a “self-righteous Ndebele minority”.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/08/catholic-priests-statement-crafted-by-mdc-zanu-pf/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

ZANU PF Mocks Catholic Bishops, Says Pastoral Letter Was Written By Biti And Chamisa

National Spokesperson for the National Patriotic Front (NPF), Jealousy Mawarire says the Church has a moral obligation to stand for the vulnerable and it is within their right to do so.
He made the remarks following a Pastoral Letter issued by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference on 14 August which called on the government to end human rights abuses.
The Pastoral Letter was not well-received by the government, with Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa lashing out at the Bishops, calling them “genocidal” and a “self-righteous Ndebele minority”.
In a post on Twitter, Mawarire said it is unfortunate that the “junta” government believes that “the Church is there to support its programs, massaging egos of the looting and genocidal cabal”. Wrote Mawarire:
<blockquote>The Junta-PF government response to the Catholic Bishops Pastoral letter is quite interesting in as much as it is intriguing because it shows a warped understanding of the role of the Church and its leadership.
While the rogue regime believes the Church is there to support its programs, massaging egos of the looting and genocidal cabal, the Church is there to protect the poor, the vulnerable and the downtrodden from a diabolical political leadership. There shouldn’t be a disconnect between the Church and politics since Jesus, the head of the Church is King of Kings.
Jesus, whom the Bishops represent, is the overall leader, He is above presidents and is the ultimate politician (Rev 1:5). ED is actually a VP. The church has a right to dabble in politics, Jesus did not die for the world so that genocidal leaders can continue abusing people.
Biblical prophets, like Amos, chided leaders and announced their removal from power. They attacked the leadership of the day for oppressing the poor and for corruption (Amos 3:10-11).
The coup government in Zimbabwe has no moral authority to tell the Church not to intervene when it tramples upon the rights of citizens, allegedly murdering, abducting and raping citizens. The Church has a moral obligation to stand for the vulnerable and it’s within their right to do so.
Zimbabweans should refuse to be intimidated by a rogue regime just because the regime is irritated by the truth. It’s not the role of the Church to prop-up dictatorship. The church is there to rebuke, publicly, those sinning (1Tim 5:20) even if the sinners are institutionalised in government.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://twitter.com/mawarirej/status/1296168156055121922?s=20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jealousy Mawarire on Twitter</a></h4>

The Church Has A Right To Dabble In Politics - Mawarire

The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) has released a solidarity message with Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops, who came under fire from the beleaguered ZANU PF government after they demanded an end to human rights abuses.
The SACBC encouraged the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops to stand strong, saying keeping quiet when egregious human rights violations are being committed is not an option.
Below is the statement in entirety:
<blockquote>SOLIDARITY STATEMENT TO THE BISHOPS AND THE CHURCH IN ZIMBABWE
We, the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) greet you in the name of our risen Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
We continue to note with increasing concern the unabated situation of repression in Zimbabwe, resulting in increasing hardship and suffering to the citizens.
We commend you for your prophetic voice in naming and condemning the brutalisation of ordinary people by security forces and the underlying corruption that has led to the total collapse of services to the people by the government.
As St. Paul informs us, “we are one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body” (Rom.12:5), and so the pain that you are going through, we feel it too.
The Catholic Church and its Bishops in Southern Africa stands in unconditional solidarity with you as leadership who are being targeted by the government and with masses of the people who are suffering from this situation.
Your Pastoral letter of Friday 14 August 2020 clearly describes the hardships and problems faced by Zimbabwe, and analyses the causes, which those in authority do not want to hear. 
Your voice of encouragement to the people of Zimbabwe is what they needed to hear in this time of their greatest need.
It is opportune and appropriate that this letter was issued on the eve of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.
We take hope from and hold on to the assurance given by Our Mother that, “God has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly.” (Lk. 1:52).
It is most regrettable that instead of addressing the issues, the government through its Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, chose instead to target and insult Archbishop Robert Ndlovu as “evil minded”, projecting its own tribalistic agenda to fuel divisions in the country.
To you bishops and particularly to you Archbishop Ndlovu we remind you of what Jesus foretold about those who speak in his name that “they will seize you and persecute you” (Lk.21:12).
We pray that the Bishops and the Church will continue to speak prophetically, with the voice of God, and be the light that shines in the darkness”, and the darkness has not overcome it”, (Jn.1:5).
Keeping quiet is not an option and as shepherds of the people your voice of support gives hope to the people entrusted to you to carry on.
As your brothers and sisters in Southern Africa, we assure you of our support and prayers that this time of suffering in your country may soon come to an end.
Yours in Christ
Sithembele Sipuka 
Bishop of Mthatha and President of the SACBC</blockquote>

Full Text: Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference Statement In Solidarity With ZCBC

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the ruling ZANU PF party always had cordial relations with churches since the days of the liberation struggle and his government is committed to working with the Church for national development.
President Mnangagwa, however, warned church leaders against using the pulpit to advance the interests of the country’s “detractors”, saying those pastors who wish to join politics are free to do so.
He made the remarks while addressing the Zanu PF politburo meeting at the party’s headquarters in Harare this Wednesday. President Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>Zanu PF has a close relationship with the Church, dating back to the days of the liberation struggle. In the post-independence period, we continued to work well. Going forwards, we remain committed to working well with the church to advance the national development agenda, as a united people.
However, it is most unfortunate when men of the cloth begin to use the pulpit to advance a nefarious agenda for detractors of our country.
Those who want to enter the political realm are welcome to do so. They must come out and form political parties. As Zanu PF we are ready for the 2023 elections.</blockquote>
His remarks come after the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC), in its pastoral letter on 14 August 2020, pleaded with the government to end human rights abuses.
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) later issued statements in solidarity with the Catholic Bishops.
<h4>More: <a href="http://newziana.co.zw/2020/08/19/govt-enjoys-good-relations-with-churches-president-mnangagwa/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Ziana</a></h4>

ED Challenges Catholic Bishops To Leave The Pulpit And Form Political Parties

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will on Tuesday issue a “comprehensive” statement on the government’s controversial statement in response to the Pastoral Letter by the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference on 14 August 2020.
This was revealed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana.
The statement, which was read by Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, has generated unparalleled rebuke for the government, with local Christian organisations speaking in support of the Roman Catholic Bishops.
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) have both chided the government for being impervious to constructive criticism. In a statement issued today, EFZ said:
<blockquote>We stand with the truth that the Catholic Bishops so ably articulated; a truth that affects our people on a daily basis; the truth of a multi-layered crisis of the convergence of economic collapse, deepening poverty, food insecurity, corruption and human rights abuses among many others. “The ruler demands gifts, the judge accepts bribes, the powerful dictate what they desire “; we stand with this truth as depicted in Micah 7:3 and articulated by the Catholic Bishops. We stand with the truth “that the government is focused on things other than national democratic priorities”.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, renowned political scientist Professor Jonathan and prominent investigative journalist Mduduzi Mathuthu have urged Mnangagwa to fire Mutsvangwa for her hate speech and tribal rant.
In her statement, Mutsvangwa characterised Archbishop Ndlovu as an “errant and evil Bishop” who posited “as the leader of righteous Ndebele minority by fanning the psychosis of tribal victimization”.

Mnangagwa To Address 'Issues Around' Catholic Bishops' Pastoral Letter

Renowned political scientist Professor Jonathan Moyo says President Emmerson Mnangagwa has no other option but to axe Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa for her statement in response to the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) Pastoral Letter of 14 August 2020.
Mutsvangwa read a statement that was apparently full of hate, scorn and tribal undertones which was chiefly aimed at Archbishop Robert Christopher Ndlovu, and Roman Catholic bishops.
Mutsvangwa said the government “vehemently object to and strongly condemns the Pastoral letter of Archbishop Ndlovu and his coterie of Catholics Bishop prelates”.
She characterised Archbishop Ndlovu as an “errant and evil Bishop” who posited “as the leader of righteous Ndebele minority by fanning the psychosis of tribal victimization”.
Prof Moyo has warned President Mnangagwa that if he fails to fire Mutsvangwa, he would be speeding up his own ouster from power. Moyo posted on <a href="https://twitter.com/ProfJNMoyo/status/1295355942394109953" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>:
<blockquote>After Monica Mutsvangwa’s unprecedented genocidally and tribally framed diatribe against Archbishop Ndlovu, Ndebeles and Catholic Bishops; Mnangagwa has no option but to fire her or risk expediting his now inevitable ouster!</blockquote>
Prominent investigative journalist Mduduzi Mathuthu, who is ZimLive editor and has been targeted by authorities for exposing high-level corruption, has also called for Mutsvangwa’s sacking. <a href="https://twitter.com/Mathuthu/status/1295267569084104707" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">He said</a>:
<blockquote>Monica Mutsvangwa must go. She has abdicated her position and allowed her irrational and rabid husband to launch an unprovoked tribal attack on the Ndebele people, using vile language unfit to come from a government mouthpiece. It’s hate speech, it’s ‘evil-minded’.</blockquote>

'Mnangagwa Has No Option But To Fire Mutsvangwa' - Prof Moyo

<blockquote>STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH ZIMBABWE CATHOLIC BISHOPS CONFERENCE PASTORAL LETTER OF 14 AUGUST 2020
As the Young Lawyers Association of Zimbabwe, a non-political association made up of members of different religious beliefs, we stand in solidarity with the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference and wholeheartedly agree with the contents of its pastoral letter of 14 August 2020.
Further to the same, we condemn the vitriolic response issued out by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting as well as the comments made by the Secretary of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting on social media and in the press.
The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference have every right, as representatives of members of the Catholic Church to make statements on behalf of their members, and to advocate for the rights of their members as citizens of Zimbabwe.
We further acknowledge the biblical call on members of the Christian faith to “learn to do good; seek justice and correct oppression” as provided for in Isaiah 1:17.
We stand against the violence, intimidation and threats on the rights of Zimbabweans, and continue to call for the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe to uphold the provisions of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the rule of law.
This includes upholding the rights of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of movement and protecting the rights of accused persons to legal representation of their choice and to free and fair hearings before an impartial court.
As members of the legal profession in Zimbabwe, we will continue to offer our services to those who have been unjustly imprisoned, and those who face threats to their inalienable rights.
As per John Lewis, to whom the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference attributed the heading of their pastoral letter:
“When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something”.
The right to speak up is enshrined in the supreme law of Zimbabwe, and we call on the Government to respect the same.
#ZimbabweanLivesMatter</blockquote>

FULL TEXT: Young Lawyers' Statement Of Solidarity With Catholic Bishops

Catholics Bishops that include Robert Ndlovu, Archbishop of Harare, Alex Thomas, Archbishop of Bulawayo, Paul Horan and Bishop of Mutare, who are the conference’s president, vice-president and secretary respectively, Michael Bhasera (Bishop Masvingo), Albert Serrano (Bishop Hwange), Rudolf Nyandoro (Bishop Gokwe) and Raymond Mupandasekwa (Bishop Chinhoyi), have called President Mnangagwa to order by demanding that he resolve the human rights issues bedevilling the country.
In a letter seen by the publication, signed by the bishops listed above, the Bishops told the president that suppression of people’s anger can only lead to a deeper crisis:
<blockquote>The struggle in Zimbabwe, between those who think they have arrived and those on the march, has resulted in a multi-layered crisis of the convergence of economic collapse, deepening poverty, food insecurity, corruption and human rights abuses among other crises in urgent need of resolution
The call for demonstrations is the expression of growing frustration and aggravation caused by the conditions that the majority of Zimbabweans themselves are in. Suppression of people’s anger can only serve to deepen the crisis and take the nation into deeper crisis.
The voices of various governments, the European Union, the African Union and the United Nations on the desperate situation in Zimbabwe have not only confirmed the seriousness of human rights breaches by government agents but the need to rally behind #ZimbabweanLivesMatter.
Their failure to make broad consultations with the church and civic society at this most tempestuous time was most regrettable. Was this not an opportunity missed.
In the meantime, some of our people continue to live in hideouts, with some incarcerated, while others are on the run. Fear runs down the spine of many of our people today. The crackdown on dissent is unprecedented. Is this the Zimbabwe we want? To have a different opinion does not mean to be an enemy,
It is precisely from the contrast of opinions that the light comes. Our government automatically labels anyone thinking differently as an enemy of the country: That is an abuse. We want our politics to build a united nation and not to divide us, turning the military who ought to continue the memory of the late heroes against the people who fed them and clothed them and who gathered intelligence at great risk and saved many of our fighters from peril.
As your bishops, we feel that this described situation is true of Zimbabwe. It feels as though the poor have no one to defend them. They don’t seem to feature on the national agenda. Their cries for an improved health system go unheeded. Their plea for a transport system that meets their transport blues are met with promises and more promises and no action.
The only time we see real action is when our leaders are jostling for power. The clerics said while some fellow African countries were strengthening their democratic institutions, Zimbabwe was busy weakening 
Refusal to listen to the people has led us to where we are today.</blockquote>
The Bishops are among the first church leaders to publicly condemn human rights abuses in the country with the international community and CSOs making unending calls to the president to stop the crackdown on opposition party members and members of the press.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2020/08/catholic-bishops-lay-into-ed/">Newday</a>

The Call For Demonstrations Is The Expression Of Growing Frustration & Aggravation - Catholics Bishops Write To ED

<blockquote>Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association Update Statement 29/11/2019
On Sunday 24th November, the ZHDA and SHDA met with a representative from Higher life Foundation and deliberated on their offer of financial assistance to government doctors.
It was agreed that feedback was to be given after consulting the ZHDA Constituency before entering into any memorandum of understanding.
As such, it was concluded that in as much as the support from HLF is welcome, it does not address completely the demands of the doctors for a salary whose value is preserved despite soaring inflation as well as the provision of adequate and appropriate tools of the trade.
It was posited that the offer from Higher life may be reconsidered once the stand-off between the ZHDA and its employer (HSB) has been resolved.
This recognises the sincerity of the donor group and its desire not to interfere with the negotiation process. The stipulated timeframes and terms and conditions surrounding the offer doesn’t make it a viable long-lasting solution that the doctors are in search of at the moment.
We appreciate the role played by the Catholic bishops which have resulted in the doctors being issued a moratorium, valid for the next 48hrs.
Sadly the moratorium has come without a new offer on the table having been communicated to us. Should this moratorium lapse without the formal communication of an offer that is reasonable, it would stand as yet another gracious privilege that is lost.
We would appreciate it more if the bishops talk to the doctor’s representatives first so that they are in an informed position to represent the doctors’ real interests.
We appreciate the role played by this latest intervention in a labour dispute that has gone past the 88th day and we reiterate that we remain open to dialogue, hoping that a lasting solution will be found without further delay.
<h4>ZHDA Information Department</h4>
</blockquote>

Doctors Respond To Strive, Catholic Bishops' Interventions  {Full Text}

President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> said that the 448 junior doctors fired from the public service have been given 48 hours to return to work without reapplying or being asked many questions.
The President made the remarks following a meeting with Catholic bishops at State House on Thursday. He said of the bishops’ request:
<blockquote>… they [the bishops] requested for a moratorium on the question of doctors for two days.</blockquote>
As of November 26, 448 doctors had been dismissed by the Health Services Board (HSB) after they were found guilty of absenteeism following a court ruling declaring their strike illegal.
Meanwhile, it is not clear if the meeting between President Mnangagwa and the bishops resolved the issue of equipment for hospitals, consumables and living wages for the incapacitated doctors.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/reprieve-for-fired-junior-doctors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

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