HARARE – A coalition of Zimbabwean Christian denominations has expressed deep concern over the nation’s current socio-economic and political climate, specifically condemning the “divisive, untimely and unnecessary” debate around the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office.
The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) brings together the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC), Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) and the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe (UDACIZA).
A faction within the ruling Zanu-PF has been calling for the extension of Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the constitutionally stipulated two terms. They want him to be in power until 2030.
This has resulted in a fierce succession fight between Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga who is the frontrunner in the race to replace the Zanu-PF leader.
In a statement commemorating Independence Day, which will coincide with Easter celebrations today (18 April), the churches articulated their worries about increasing political polarization, anxiety, and fear across the country.
They also highlighted the detrimental effects of alleged systemic corruption and the looting of public resources, which they claim have exacerbated poverty and inequality.
“As leaders of various Christian denominations, we understand the challenges our country is currently facing with economic difficulties and political turmoil.
“However, we believe that Easter and Independence celebrations are important occasions that allow us to come together as a nation and reaffirm our shared values and unity.
“The divisive, untimely and unnecessary debate around the extension of the President’s term (2030 Agenda) has heightened the political polarization, anxieties, uncertainties and fears across the country.
“These have been further exacerbated by the distress due to systemic and unrestrained allegations of corruption and looting of national and public resources at the expense of millions of suffering Zimbabweans,” the coalition stated.
The churches also criticised the country’s tax systems, which they deemed “increasingly regressive,” burdening the poor and vulnerable.
They further expressed concern over the exploitation of mineral resources with minimal benefits for local communities and the collapse of social services due to funding shortages and corruption.
“Hurting socio-economic conditions have entrenched and deepened poverty and suffering among the majority of Zimbabweans, with inequalities widening between the majority poor and the rich elites.
“The uncertainties and anxieties mount in our beloved Zimbabwe, exacerbated by the economic difficulties and heightened political situation in the country.
“As church we look forward to those in authority to urgently address the socio-economic and political challenges facing our beloved and God given Zimbabwe.
“The country’s tax systems have become increasingly regressive, hurting and overburdening the poor and the vulnerable, including those in the informal economy, the unemployed, the elderly and persons with Disabilities.
“Our mineral and natural resources are being exploited with minimal benefits for the country and the mining communities. Social services have collapsed due to lack of funding and the corruption bleeding the country,” the churches noted.
Amidst these challenges, the religious leaders called for unity and dialogue, urging all Zimbabweans to engage in “constructive inclusive dialogue” to address the nation’s problems.
“Our present realities call us to seek unity and cooperation, listening and understanding, forgiveness and reconciliation, justice and righteousness, and leadership and servanthood, understanding that dialogue is the surest way to transform our divisions into bridges and our challenges into opportunities for growth and renewal,” the statement said.
The churches also called for prayer, specifically for God’s guidance, compassion, care for the needy, and healing of emotional wounds caused by historical and present realities. They urged leaders to act with compassion, wisdom, and humility, and to desist from corruption.
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