wfn.org | WARC - Global ecumenical leaders speak out on Zimbabwe political parties' pact

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> World Alliance of Reformed Churches
> News Release
> 24 July 2008

Global ecumenical leaders speak out on the Zimbabwe political parties' pact

A coalition of church organizations that includes the World
Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) has congratulated the
signatories of an agreement that paves the way for the sharing of
power in Zimbabwe but also raised concerns about continuing
violence and human rights violations.

Leaders of the World Council of Churches, the World Student
Christian Federation, WARC, the World Alliance of  YWCAs and the
World Alliance of YMCAs congratulated both the ZANU PF party and
the Movement for Democratic Change on signing the Memorandum on
21 July.

â??We greet the beginning of this critical round of negotiations
with fervent hope for a new beginning for all Zimbabweans,
restoration of peace, prosperity, dignity and the rule of law,â??
the letter dated 24 July, states.

However the letter also reminds the parties of the concern of
churches, civil society and the people of Zimbabwe for a lasting
and viable solution to the crisis. â??We pray for all the
negotiators so that they are guided by the best interests and
deeper aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe.â??

The church leaders state that violence and human rights abuses
continue, that millions face starvation and thousands have lost
homes and property.

â??We are appalled by reports of continuing violence in many
parts of the country, particularly in the rural areas. All forms
of violence, harassment, intimidation and torture must cease
immediately in order to provide an environment truly conducive
for peaceful negotiations.â??

The church groups also called for a lifting of the ban that has
prevented humanitarian aid agencies
and non-governmental organizations from working in the country.

â??We further urge the parties to remain committed to a genuine
restoration of the rule of law that rejects impunity but allows
true reconciliation and healing.â??

The coalition letter states that it is â??most regrettableâ??
that none of the negotiating parties include civil society or
women as called for a place at the table for Zimbabwe civil
society representatives so that the aspirations of grassroots
communities will not go unheard.

And the church groups urged the signatories to restore faith in
the Zimbabwe electoral system: â??We would like to reaffirm the
need to protect the integrity of elections as the most legitimate
and democratic way to express the sovereign will of the people,
not only in Zimbabwe but throughout Africa.â??

> ***

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) brings together
75 million Reformed Christians in 214 churches in 107 countries -
united in their commitment to making a difference in a troubled
world. The WARC general secretary is Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi of the
Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana. WARC's secretariat is
based in Geneva, Switzerland.

> Contact:
> John P. Asling
> Executive Secretary, Communications
> World Alliance of Reformed Churches
> 150 Route de Ferney
> P.O. Box 2100
> 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland
> tel.  +41.22 791 6243
> fax: +41.22 791 6505
> web: www.warc.ch