USPG welcomes Anglican leaders’ call for action in Zimbabwe

USPG has welcomed a statement from the Primates of the Anglican Communion calling for more practical assistance for the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe.

The statement, issued during the Primates Meeting in Alexandria, Egypt, yesterday (3 February), read: ‘We give thanks to God for the faithful witness of the Christians of Zimbabwe during this time of pain and suffering, especially those who are being denied access to their churches.

‘We wish to assure them of our love, support and prayers as they face gross violation of human rights, hunger and loss of life, as well as the scourge of a cholera epidemic, all due directly to the deteriorating socio-political and economic situation in Zimbabwe.’

Describing Robert Mugabe’s presidency as ‘illegitimate’, the statement continued: ‘There appears to be a total disregard for life, consistently demonstrated by Mr Mugabe through systematic kidnap, torture and the killing of Zimbabwean people… We therefore call upon President Robert Mugabe to respect the outcome of the elections of 2008 and to step down. We call for the implementation of the rule of law and the restoration of democratic processes.’

The statement went on: ‘We urge the Churches of the Anglican Communion to join with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa in observing Wednesday 25 February 2009, Ash Wednesday, as a day of prayer and solidarity with the Zimbabwean people.’

Bishop Michael Doe, General Secretary of USPG, said: ‘Over the past 18 months USPG has been working with Lambeth Palace and the Church of the Province of Central Africa to support the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe. We look forward to seeing what role USPG can play in the new initiatives which the Primates have announced. The news that the primates meeting has highlighted the plight of ordinary people in Zimbabwe is very welcome.’

Canon Chad Gandiya, USPG Desk Officer for Africa, said: ‘The Church in Zimbabwe is under many pressures at this time, financial, social and medical, and we are grateful to all those who enable USPG to meet these needs. ‘

Through the support of the Dioceses of Rochester and Southwark, and other groups and individuals, USPG has been able to distribute £85,000 of much-needed assistance to the dioceses of Zimbabwe.

However, Chad added that further needed to be done, included an increase in donations.

He said: ‘Both our general fund and our special funds for Zimbabwe have been challenged by the continuing need. The Archbishop of Canterbury’s appeal for additional funds from parishes is particularly welcome. ‘

Make a donation to USPG’s Zimbabwe Relief Fund.

Read the full statement issued by the Primates of the Anglican Communion.

Posted on 04.02.2009