16 January 2009
Churches Urge Prayer For Justice in Zimbabwe
The people of Zimbabwe will be held in the thoughts of
Methodists and United Reformed Church members on an Africa Day of
Prayer.
The two denominations have backed the All Africa Conference of
Churches (AACC's) call for churches around the world to pray for
Zimbabwe on January 25.
The cholera epidemic continues to spread across the country.
According to figures circulated by the AACC, 37,000 people have
contracted the disease and 1,800 people have died. Food is scarce,
political violence continues and schools have not been able to run
properly due to the financial and social crisis.
Revd John Marsh, Moderator of the General Assembly of The United
Reformed Church, said: "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.
"We fully endorse the AACC's resolution on Zimbabwe and call on our
Churches to support their call for a special Africa Day of Prayer
and Fasting for Justice in Zimbabwe on Sunday 25 January. We
therefore encourage local churches to commence their services on
that day with the lighting of a candle and a minute's silence in
prayer and solidarity with the people and churches of
Zimbabwe."
The Ninth Assembly of the AACC met in Maputo, Mozambique in
December. The assembly, which was attended by Christine Elliott,
Secretary for External Relationships for the British Methodist
Church, backed resolutions calling for an end to violence and
political freedom of expression.
Steve Hucklesby, Public Issues Policy Adviser for The Methodist
Church, said: "We want a process that can bring about the longing
of all Zimbabweans for a free and fair society. 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.
"The food and cholera crisis are symptoms of the meltdown of the
economy and provision of essential services. Water is contaminated
with human waste and health services are not functioning in many
areas. The government's response is to increase security and
suppress dissent. Some humanitarian aid is getting through but much
more is needed."
A suggested reading and prayer can be found in the notes
below.
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
Reading: Isaiah 58:6-9