|PIC1|Churches around the world are responding to the call of the All African Conference of Churches for a day of prayer and fasting for Zimbabwe.

The day of prayer and fasting coincides with the conclusion of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, during which millions of Christians of all denominations traditionally pray to become one.

The British Methodist and United Reformed Churches are backing the AACC call for prayer.

The Rev John Marsh, Moderator of the General Assembly of The United Reformed Church, is calling on the denomination’s member churches to take part by commencing their services on the prayer day with the lighting of a candle and a minute’s silence in prayer in solidarity with the people and churches of Zimbabwe.

“With the eyes of the world’s media now firmly fixed on the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, we need to be reminded of the immense pain and suffering that continues to haunt the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.

Steve Hucklesby, Public Issues Policy Adviser for The Methodist Church, said Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe should relinquish power.

“We want a process that can bring about the longing of all Zimbabweans for a free and fair society,” he said. “Robert Mugabe lost the presidential election. Zanu PF came second in parliamentary elections. Mr Mugabe must be prepared to relinquish power if Zimbabweans are to be free.”

January 25 was declared a day of prayer and fasting for Zimbabwe by the AACC during its 9th General Assembly in Maputo, Mozambique, last December.

AACC General Secretary the Rev Dr Andre Karamaga said in an invitation to the churches to join the day of prayer that the current regime was illegitimate and that political violence and intimidation were continuing. He also pointed to the devastating cholera outbreak, which aid agencies say has now killed at least 2,700 people, and other problems like crippling hyperinflation and food shortages.

“Indeed it is a time of need for Zimbabwe,” he wrote. “May the Lord grant Zimbabwe light to break forth like the dawn and healing to quickly appear. May the Lord bless us all as we pray, fast for the end to the political crisis and resumption of normalcy in the lives of the people of Zimbabwe.”

Tearfund is encouraging Christians in the UK to join in the day of prayer and fasting.

International Director, Peter Grant said, “We can pray for a new hope around many urgent issues, especially as a new US president steps up to multiple challenges.

"Zimbabwe is one of these and we know that prayer can overcome injustice. The need is urgent. As Christians and churches pray for Zimbabwe there remains the ‘audacity of hope’ for those whose single challenge this week is to survive.”

Millions of Christians worldwide spent the last eight days praying for reconciliation within the broken body of Christ. The resources this year were drawn up by the Korean church and inspired by Ezekiel 37.15 – 28 when God spoke to Ezekiel and said "they shall be one in my hand...They will be my people and I shall be their God".

The annual week of prayer is a highlight of the ecumenical calendar and is traditionally celebrated between 18 and 25 January in the northern hemisphere or at Pentecost in the southern hemisphere.

The suggested reading for the day of prayer and fasting for Zimbabwe is Isaiah 58:6-9. The Churches have also compiled a special prayer:

God of power and truth,
May your peace rest with the restless of Zimbabwe
May your love inspire the hearts of all those who long and work for justice
May your healing touch the wounds of those suffering and bereaved
May your truth be spoken in dangerous places
May we not be idle in working, praying, longing and searching for your Kingdom in this broken world.
Amen