An open letter to member Churches of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches from New Zealand Church Leaders

18  April 2008

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

As leaders of the churches in Aotearoa New Zealand we have been following the situation in Zimbabwe with deep concern and know that the difficult state of the economy and the uncertain political situation must be putting a huge strain on the churches and its resources.  Please be assured that our thoughts and prayers are with you as you work to make God’s love for all people known.

We write at this critical time in Zimbabwe’s history to encourage you in your work to bring hope and healing to the people of Zimbabwe, both those living within the country and those who have felt compelled to leave their homeland.  Some of those people are now valued members of our congregations and we are aware of the anxiety and hopes they have for their country.  We share their considerable concern regarding the delays in releasing the election results that are undermining the peaceful voting that occurred on March 29.

The people of Zimbabwe have every right to expect free and fair elections including a timely outcome.  We encourage you as church leaders to speak out in the interests of your people and in the hope that God offers to us all.  Be assured that we are endeavouring to support you in this task by raising our concern with our own government and providing humanitarian assistance where we can. 

Living on the other side of the world as we do, we are dependent on media reports and would appreciate receiving news or a statement of what is happening from a Christian perspective.  The current situation can only serve to increase the fear and insecurity of all people. 

Please be assured that the churches of New Zealand will continue to pray for all Zimbabweans, an end to the poverty and violence that is threatening your land and a peaceful resolution of the current political turmoil.

May you be strengthened by the love of God in these difficult times.

Yours sincerely

David Moxon, Co presiding Archbishop of the Anglican Church
in Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia.

Brian Turner, President
Methodist Church of New Zealand

Rodney Macann, National Leader
Baptist Union of New Zealand

Pamela Tankersley, Assembly Moderator
Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

John A Dew,  Archbishop of Wellington
Roman Catholic Church of New Zealand