Methodists call on UN to broker settlement in Zimbabwe
The Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) acknowledges its solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe in the midst of their political crisis and the ongoing struggle for a democratic settlement, nearly four weeks after elections were held this year. At the same time, the MCSA welcomes the recent news that election results for the Zimbabwean parliament have been released. The General Secretary of the MCSA, the Reverend Vuyani Nyobole cautioned, however, that the democratic process of Zimbabwe – notably the withholding of the result of the Presidential ballot - remains fragile. “T he inaction by electoral officials of this result effectively disenfranchises Zimbabwean citizens” says Rev. Nyobole.
Bishop Brian Jennings, acting Presiding Bishop of the MCSA, added his deep concern at the levels of violence and intimidation that are reported to have been inflicted on the ordinary citizen by police and other state security institutions. “Despite a political settlement in parliament being a possibility in the near future”, says Bishop Jennings “ we continue to pray that governments, civil society and faith communities in Southern Africa together with the international community do all in their powers to ensure a lasting, peaceful and just settlement for the people of Zimbabwe.” The MCSA therefore calls upon the governments of Southern Africa to take a firmer stand in the negotiations toward disclosure of the presidential election results and the facilitation of processes toward parliamentary democracy without compromising the political sovereignty of Zimbabwe.
The MCSA further joins its voice with the many voices in civil society - including those of the South African Council of Churches, the All Africa Conference of Churches and the World Council of Churches in urging the African Union and the United Nations to strengthen their international resolve in the promotion of visible, basic human rights and global peaceful coexistence. “Under these circumstances the Methodist Church of Southern Africa calls on the United Nations to broker as harmonious and peaceful a political settlement in Zimbabwe as may be possible” says Rev. Nyobole.
Expressing their ongoing solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe who seek a lasting, just and peaceful settlement to their civil strife, the leaders of the MCSA committed the people called Methodists of Southern Africa to ongoing and fervent prayer - at Sunday services and at any times of gathering - to intercede for those in Zimbabwe who:
• May have and continue to suffer abuse because of their political convictions and choices;
• Experience the trauma of homelessness and migration as a result of this political crisis; and
• For those within government and those who have political authority: that they may seek wisdom and work toward a speedy and lasting settlement for the common good of all the people of Zimbabwe, Southern Africa and the African Continent.
Statement ends.
For further information please contact:
The Reverend Brian Jennings, Acting Presiding Bishop, MCSA - 082 904 7995
The Reverend Vuyani Nyobole, General Secretary, MCSA - 083 286 1844
Statement issued by:
(Rev.) Keith Vermeulen
Information Officer
Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Methodist House
46 Church St.
Cape Town 8001