By Taurainashe Manonge
As polling dates draw closer to the beginning of a significant election in the history of Zimbabwe, churches from Manicaland province have urged people to uphold unity of purpose and not give room to artificial divisions created by political affiliations.
“We must remember that the sovereignty of Zimbabwe rests in the recognition of the sovereignty of God over all creation," the statement said.
The statement, entitled 'Recognising God's moment’ also called upon all those taking part in the upcoming elections to commit themselves by doing everything to stop and prevent all forms of political violence.
It went on further, urging stakeholders to take all measures necessary to ensure that the structures and institutions they control are not engaged in the perpetration of violence.
"Seek the will of God for your life and work. Recognise the precious moment in which you serve your nation. You have been granted special responsibility for this moment and you carry the duty to build a peaceful nation in full view of the sovereign people of Zimbabwe, but most importantly in the sovereign presence of God."
"During this period leading to the elections it is a time to be a person of moral courage, not allowing momentary interests of a few individuals to undermine our peaceful national development."
Political parties and those who have responsibilities have been urged to uphold principles that will foster national healing abhor corruption and become selfless so as to benefit the poor among other traits, all aimed at fostering an environment that is peaceful.
The statement comes at a time when the voice of the national church is greatly needed to give direction to the millions of Christian followers in Zimbabwe at such a crucial time.
It followed a pastoral letter from the Zimbabwe Catholic bishops Conference on Zimbabwe Elections 2013 entitled ‘The God of Second Chances,’ published on March 15, 2013. However, as we get closer to the election date the voice of the church has not been very visible in the public domain.
Zimbabwe’s history of election violence has left a myriad of wounds to many individuals over the years, and a repetition of this in the period leading to July 31st will signify another step in the wrong direction for the country.
Manicaland province has over the last decade been a contentious region since the discovery of huge deposits of diamonds. The discovery of the mineral deposits heightened expectations for economic growth to the region and was seen as the answer to the struggling national economy.
However the discoveries of the diamonds have led to more challenges in the region and the country as a whole, and this has kept manicaland province in the national and international spotlight.
It is therefore significant that the churches in Manicaland have managed to release this statement and call for peace at a time of great opportunity.