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ZIMBABWE - BISHOPS CALL FOR PRAYER AND SOLIDARITY

Tuesday 17 June 2003

The four bishops in the Diocese of Southwark are calling for urgent prayer and support for the people of Zimbabwe. The Rt Rev Colin Buchanan, Bishop of Woolwich, will read their statement at a Vigil of Prayer to be held today, Tuesday 17 June, at Southwark Cathedral at 7 pm. It is the eve of the festival of Bernard Mizeki, Zimbabwe's first Anglican martyr. The Zimbabwe Christian Fellowship Choir will sing at the service.

The Diocese of Southwark has had a link with three of the Anglican dioceses in Zimbabwe since 1991. There have been regular prayer, sharing of gifts and resources, and visits in both directions between the churches. The Bishop of Woolwich led a group from his area on a visit in June 2001.

BERNARD MIZEKI (1861-1896), a brief note:

Bernard Mizeki was born, probably in 1861, in Mozambique. While working in Cape Town he was baptized and confirmed an Anglican, and came to believe that God was calling him to be a missionary. In 1891 he was sent with others into Eastern Zimbabwe to found a new diocese. Mizeki was assigned the mission among Chief Mangwende's people, near Marondera.

He realised that the belief of the local people in Mwari was something to be respected and built on. He wanted to live the same life as those around him and in time he married a young woman called Mutwa, who was related to the Chief.

Converts began to gather round Mizeki, arousing the jealousy of the N'anga who oversaw the traditional sacrifices to spirits. In 1896, the behaviour of many white settlers provoked rebellion, and anyone associated with the white men was under threat. Mizeki was advised to leave his post and seek safety but he refused to leave his converts, and on June 18th, 1896, he was speared to death by two of Mangwende's sons. Mutwa escaped, and in November gave birth to a daughter, Bernardina. Mizeki's life and death have deeply influenced the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe.

Further details: Board for Church in Society 020 7939 9412

FULL TEXT OF THE BISHOPS' STATEMENT

In the light of our long association with the Anglican Dioceses of Central Zimbabwe, Matabeleland and Manicaland, we, the Bishops of Southwark, Croydon, Kingston and Woolwich, issue the following statement:

AWARE of the deep suffering of Zimbabwe and its people, who have lived for too long with fear, violence, abuse and hardship, we call on the people of our Diocese to pray for a new dawning of justice, peace and freedom for our brothers and sisters there.

AWARE that the churches in Zimbabwe have been unable to speak with one voice, we give thanks for the prophetic courage of religious leaders who have helped to keep a vision of God's kingdom alive in the hearts of the people through the darkest of times.

AWARE of the past injustices of land distribution, we pray for equitable and good stewardship of the rich resources of that beautiful and bountiful land.

AWARE that even the best-intentioned statements may be misinterpreted, we offer the people of Zimbabwe our solidarity as they strive to decide their own destiny.

AWARE of the presence among us of Zimbabweans who have left the land they love in search of freedom and opportunity, we pray for families that are separated and people whose loyalties are divided.

AWARE that many people are hungry, sick and unable to feed or help themselves, we pray for the humanitarian programmes of churches and relief agencies.

AWARE that there have been times when political and religious leaders in Britain have said too much or too little, we pray for God's guidance in discerning how best to support our brothers and sisters there.

AWARE of the strong links of prayer and friendship which exist between people and churches in this Diocese and in the dioceses of Zimbabwe, we call on our parishes and people to pray for the land of Zimbabwe, her people, her religious and political leaders and for a peaceful return to stability, peace and prosperity.

NOTE ON THE FOUR BISHOPS:
The Rt Rev Dr Tom Butler is the Bishop of Southwark. The three Area Bishops who oversee areas of his Diocese are as follows:
The Rt Rev Nick Baines is the Bishop of Croydon
The Rt Rev Dr Richard Cheetham is the Bishop of Kingston
The Rt Rev Colin Buchanan is the Bishop of Woolwich

Ends.

For further information contact: 

Diocesan Communications Officer
Tel: 020-7939 9400
Mobile: 07831-694021
Fax: 020-7939 9468