Zimbabweans are turning en masse to God in search of solace and divine answers in the face of a political and economic fallout that has no apparent resolution in sight.

Christianity, which played a key role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle that ushered independence from British colonial rule in 1980, is increasingly providing a platform for popular revolt in the beleaguered country. Many churches are, once again, beginning to embrace the liberation theology that inspired people to take up arms against the colonial regime.

The country, which is tottering under a record hyperinflation of more than 1,700 percent, also has an unemployment rate of over 80 percent. 4 out 5 people are unemployed and basic goods are in short supply. Over 2 million people are in need of food aid.

Read the rest of the report at … http://groundreport.com/articles.php?id=2833520

First, the majority of Zimbabweans are Christians with an active faith. This may not carry as much weight in other countries as it does in ours.

Second, it’s difficult to understate the importance of anything at all that gives people some sense of inner strength, or hope, or a feeling that they can continue. Those who believe in God, do find strength in the belief that He is on the side of the oppressed. Fingers may not literally be lifted, but spiritual strength has immense currency and importance too. In fact, I’d argue that that alone could be described as a ‘finger being lifted’.

Third, what is especially significant about this statement, is that it is directly and unequivocally critical of the government on many levels. Even going so far as to undermine the Liberation/independence utopia sold by Zanu PF at every chance. It is also very public. It is rare to see such outspoken thorough criticism in Zimbabwe.

Fourth, there is no independent news or information freely available to the majority of Zimbabweans, and especially not those in rural areas. Those who have internet connections and email get news. Those who do not are completely cut off and isolated and held hostage to goverment lies and propaganda. The Catholic Church has missions in very remote areas, so this line “This will be followed by a Prayer Service for Zimbabwe, on Friday, every week, in all parishes of our Country” is VERY significant. If they use their platform and through prayer, remind people every single week that what is happening is a violation of their rights, then that’s an incredible thing. If people are aware that every Catholic Church in the land is being reminded the same thing every week, then that’s a lot more outspoken and more togetherness than we have had to date.

Fifth, the Catholic Church has a well-known history of actively standing up for the oppressed. During the Gukuruhundi (1980s), they recorded witness testimony from torture victims, noted Mugabe’s troop numbers and movements, and did what they could to help those affected. If it wasn’t for priests and mission staff in remote rural areas, Mugabe may have got away with the murder of 20,000 civilians almost without a whisper of condemnation. As it is, Zimbabweans and the world know what happened and the Catholic Church and a Legal Foundation jointly wrote and published a report. They have actively campaigned for accountability and justice. This worthy record lends gravitas to a letter like the one we’ve circulated here.

Like I said, it really needs to be put in context. I understand that this may have minimal impact in say, the context of the United Kingdom. But Zimbabwe is not the United Kingdom, but it has a lot more clout here.

a Duoist: I’m glad you asked that question. Sokwanele has written two articles in the past about the Anglican Bishop Nolbert Kunongo who we have described as “a servile supporter of ZANU PF and an obsequious fan of Robert Mugabe”. Read both those articles here and here.

You may all also be interested in this post on PubliusPundit titled “The Catholic Church Can Save Zimbabwe”

In Zimbabwe, is the time rapidly approaching to duplicate Gandhi’s and King’s tactics of overwhelming the local justice system by filling the jails with peaceful demonstrators? A very critical feature for the success of non-violent action is the existence of photos of the demonstrators and the repressive response by the government.

Since belief in socialist ideology is what got Zimbabwe into its present circumstances, what philosophy do Zimbabweans want to adopt instead, in order to turn things around?

Unfortunately that is completely untrue. There is no case in recorded history of God lifting a finger to help the oppressed.

If you want to be free, you have to fight for freedom yourself. God will not help, the UN will not help, the USA and Britain will make a few comments and no more, and the South African government is on the side of Mugabe.

False comfort from the clergy does more harm than good, in my opinion.