“The Anglican Church stands on the side of the People of Zimbabwe as they exercise their right to be heard by their Government.”
Agents of the Zimbabwe security services violently broke up an opposition rally in Harare last week, disregarding a Supreme Court order authorizing the protests. On Friday 26 Aug 2016 a rally organized by 18 opposition and civic groups and supported by Christian leaders was attacked by baton-wielding police amidst a barrage of tear gas grenades. Dozens were beaten and injured in the melee and the Zimbabwe Lawyers Association for Human Rights (ZLHR) reports 70 were arrested. Among those detained were Mr. Promise Mkwananzi, (pictured) leader of #Tajamuka movement, which has mounted a social media campaign against President Robert Mugabe. The 92-year old strongman has announced he will seek re-election in 2018. In a statement released on Facebook on the morning of the protest, the Diocese of Harare said: “the Anglican Church stands on the side of the People of Zimbabwe as they exercise their right to be heard by their Government. The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Harare on Saturday 20 August 2016 spoke passionately on the issue of violence. He said violence only worsened the levels of conflict in society, and it usually started at household level. The people who are masters of violence in our midst, even within the Church and Society, are bringing their bitterness from their homes. The Anglican Church prays for peace and dialogue among all stakeholders so that the nation can move forward, and escape from this bitterness, which is engulfing the nation. May God bless Zimbabwe through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen”
