Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Harare (Agenzia Fides)- "Some of Zimbabwe's Catholic religious communities have been pressured to stop religious service services. But Masses are held regularly in most parishes except those in certain remote areas out of reach for security reasons". Following the re-election of Robert Mugabwe in a farcical second round of presidential elections, the Catholic Church in Zimbabwe to condemns continuing harassment of Christians.
The latest issue of a local Jesuit magazine In Touch with the Church and Faith" sent to Fides, said that CADEC, the local Caritas (Catholic Development Commission) and other Church bodies were "doing their best to assist all homeless people regardless of their religion. But there have been attempts to stop CADEC activity and that of NGOs, although CADEC is not an NGO". Some priests have been among the Christians attacked and at least one had his home torched. "And sad to say - the Magainse adds - there are Catholics even among the perpetrators of the violence".
The Bishops of Zimbabwe on June 12 issued a statement condemned violence leading up to the June 27 elections: "it is sad to see Christians and even Catholics among those responsible for this violence. What has happened to our Christian principles and values? Hatred and intimidation and violence cannot have the last word in our society". The Bishops called for a cessation of violence, neutrality of the armed forces and police, international observers to guarantee a regular vote and organs of security to protect the life and the property of all citizens.
The Bishops of other countries expressed closeness to the people of Zimbabwe and condemned the violence. Besides a statement issued by the Southern African Bishops Conference SABCD (Botswana, South Africa and Swaziland) reported by Fides on 25 June 2008, statements were also issued by the Bishops Conferences of Zambia and Nigeria.
In a statement on Zimbabwe the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Zambia praise "the citizens of Zimbabwe for their moderation and determination in such an uncertain political situation and serious economic crisis" and recall that the whole region suffers the consequences of the Zimbabwe.
In a statement sent to Fides the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria say, " that the situation in Zimbabwe is not optimal for any credible, free, fair and legitimate election to take place." And they appeal to the Nigerian government " to actively exploit its leadership role in Africa and make meaningful contribution towards bringing order to Zimbabwe". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 1/7/2008 righe 36 parole 482)
