The Primates of the Anglican Communion, meeting in Alexandria, Egypt on 3rd February, 2009, heard first hand reports of the situation in Zimbabwe, and note with horror the appalling difficulties of the people of this nation under the current regime.
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.
It is a matter of grave concern that there is an apparent breakdown of the rule of law within the country, and that the democratic process is being undermined, as shown in the flagrant disregard of the outcome of the democratic elections of March 31st 2008, so that Mr Robert Mugabe illegitimately holds on to power. Even the recent political situation of power sharing, brokered by SADC, may not be long lasting and simply further entrench Mr Mugabe’s regime. There appears to be a total disregard for life, consistently demonstrated by Mr Mugabe through systematic kidnap, torture and the killing of Zimbabwean people. The economy of Zimbabwe has collapsed, as evidenced by the use of foreign currencies in an independent state.
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.
I have been following this situation over many months. It is a deep tragedy. A cry goes up from this land, “how long!” I am glad in this case that the Anglican Communion will be giving considerable force to seeing this situation end. Pray for the restoration of a normal peace to Zimbabwe.
Yes, a good statement and very necessary.
As an aside, it is quite clear that the Anglican Communion is capable of speaking clearly and firmly and putting plans for action in place, when its leadership permit it to.
All power to the Primates for this statement.
Even a stopped clock…
Hopefully, this won’t be the only positive statement to come out of the Primates’ meeting. That said, this is an excellent statement and I hope we will all urge our parishes to observe the Ash Wednesday day of prayer for the people of Zimbabwe.
I assume they realize that Mugabe will not step down nor recognize the democratic vote unless he is forced to do so.