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SOUTHWARK BISHOPS ENCOURAGE ZIMBABWEANS

Friday 24 October 2003

The Bishop of Southwark and his three area bishops have expressed their support for the people of Zimbabwe in the following message to be read aloud at the 'End the Silence' rally in London tomorrow, Saturday 25 October. (www.endthesilence.com)

"The Anglican Diocese of Southwark has well-established links with the Anglican dioceses of Matabeleland, Manicaland and Central Zimbabwe. We are aware of how much our friends there are suffering and we are in contact to assure them of our prayers. We have tried to provide practical assistance on request and when this has proved possible. We know that the rule of law and order has broken down, people in the towns and in the countryside are hungry, clinics and hospitals are short of medicine, many families cannot afford school fees for their children, fuel and bus fares are more expensive every day, and churches and relief agencies are finding it harder to get resources to the most needy people.

"We share the anger and sorrow of Zimbabweans in this country as they watch their families and friends suffering. We share their frustration as their plight goes on unchanged. And we stand with the Bishops and other religious and community leaders in Zimbabwe who are working in coalition as mediators to lay the foundation for a Zimbabwe restored to peace, justice and prosperity.

"God bless Zimbabwe. With God's help, may we bring a new beginning for her people."

BACKGROUND
The three Episcopal areas of Southwark Diocese are twinned with three of the Anglican dioceses of Zimbabwe - Croydon Area with Central Zimbabwe, Kingston Area with Matabeleland, and Woolwich Area with Manicaland.

Ends.

For further information contact: 

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