Zimbabwean Bishops criticise Mugabe election

Church leaders in Southwark's link dioceses in Zimbabwe have been outspoken about the recent election process and the nation's future, according to the front page of Church Times 15 March

The Bishop of Manicaland Dr Sebastian Bakare is reported as saying that the presence of foreign observers had not stopped the intimidation by members of Mugabe's ZANU-PF party. Some were told 'if you don't vote for us we'll come back when the results come out' - others were threatened with starvation.

The Rt Rev. Wilson Sitshebo, Bishop of Matabeland, who acted as a local monitor, said that international observers had only gone to 'safe areas' during daytime - not when or where the intimidation took place.

Dr Bakare was despondent about the future but he said "I want to believe that the Good Lord still sustains and cares for Zimbabwe, and that we will not be totally abandoned".

Please continue to pray for the church and people of Zimbabwe

Corrymeela a place to discover common humanity on neutral ground

Corrymeela is a dispersed community of people of all Christian traditions, committed to the healing of social, religious and political divisions in Northern Ireland and throughout the world.

Founded in 1965 by Ray Davey, Corrymeela is over 200, mainly lay, people who live out their commitment to peace and reconciliation in their own local communities. The Community believes that reconciliation is at the heart of the Christian Gospel. Their experience in Northern Ireland over the past 35 years has proved that it is possible.

The most visible work of the Community is focused at the Corrymeela Centre, near Ballycastle on the north coast of County Antrim. Every year, 700 people from different backgrounds and experiences, from across Ireland and further afield, take part in programmes at the Centre.

Time is set aside for prayer each day. Industrial and professional groups meet for conference and study. Work camps bring together craftsmen and voluntary workers in fellowship. Community Programmes enable people of all ages to discuss their politics, religion and cultural traditions, so that broader perspectives can be formed. New relationships of understanding, mutual respect and trust break down the barriers of suspicion, fear and hostility that have divided the communities for years.

Professional advice is provided for single parents, bereaved families, and those who are unemployed or have a family member in prison.

Corrymeela also works with schools, exploring the connections between faith and contemporary social and political issues. The courses and activities develop an openness to change, including new approaches to worship which encourage inter-denominational co-operation.

Youth work includes leadership training and personal development programmes to support young people in becoming actively involved in reconciliation in their own communities.

How you can help...

Many people throughout Britain contribute to Corrymeela's success. Volunteering is at the heart of its ethos and every year a team of 12 volunteers live and work at the Ballycastle Centre. Over 400 short-term volunteers are also involved in summer and weekend activities. There are also Support Groups dotted about Britain, who meet to pray for Corrymeela and put forward ideas for fund-raising. One such Support Group was set up twelve years ago in Kew. Members of the local churches have visited Ballycastle and raise funds for the work of the Community.

For further information visit www.corrymeela.org or contact Corrymeela Link, PO Box 4829, Earley, Reading Berks. RG 6 1XX (Tel: 0118-9261062).

How you can help... and have a good evening out

On Saturday, 11 May (7.30-10.30 pm) there will be a Corymeela Ceilidh at St. Winefride's Hall, Leyborne Park, Kew (near Kew Gardens Tube/BR Station). All are welcome - telephone 020 8940 5022 for details.