Ecumenical bodies request greater action on Zimbabwe

Two international ecumenical bodies called on the UN, the South African Development Community and the African Union "to increase [their] efforts to address the rapidly deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe".

In a joint letter issued in Geneva on Tuesday, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) requested the three international bodies to pay "urgent attention to the humanitarian needs of the people of Zimbabwe, their freedom to exercise religion, the destabilisation of the political situation and the need to end human rights abuses".

The joint letter refers to the need of "international intervention" in order to distribute food aid, as Zimbabweans face "the imminent threat of starvation in some areas".

It also mentions the need for a political solution that "may involve a postponement of the election", as well as the importance of bringing perpetrators of violence to trial. "There can be no impunity," states the letter signed by WCC general secretary Samuel Kobia and WSCF general secretary Michael Wallace.

"We have learned from our Zimbabwean brothers and sisters that some churches have been kept from offering worship while other church services have been violently dispersed. This situation, which is underreported in the media, is unacceptable and must receive urgent attention from the world community."

The letter makes a point of reminding that "in extreme situations" the international community "has the duty [...] to intervene in the internal affairs of a state in the interests and safety of the people", a principle known as "responsibility to protect".

The Council of Zimbabwean Christian Leaders in the UK (CZCLUK) is calling on all people concerned about the future and welfare of Zimbabwe to take part in a prayer rally on Saturday at the Geoffrey Chaucer Technology College in London. Participants include Zimbabwean Christian leaders and Rev Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance.