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Zimbabwe in transition - Challenges for the churches
Ecumenical Support Services
September 25, 2003

Kadoma Conference Communique

Preamble
We, the 109 Clergy, Pastors and Laity from 59 Christian denominations in Zimbabwe, together with representatives from the ecumenical community in South Africa, met on 10 - 12 September 2003 at Kadoma Hotel and Conference Center to discuss challenges facing the church in Zimbabwe during this transitional period. We reflected on the social, political, economic and religious challenges that are currently facing the country and its neighbours in the region.

We were inspired by the ideal of good government as portrayed in Romans 13:1-7 which regrettably, is abused by oppressive regimes to legitimate their rule. We maintain that a good government comes from God and is charged with the tasks of protecting the common good of the nation, ensuring justice for all, ensuring equitable distribution of national resources, guaranteeing the rule of law, upholding peace and promoting equality among its citizens as well as being a custodian of the nation's social and moral values.

Such a government is worthy of the obedience and loyalty of its citizens as demanded in Romans 13. Any government that negates these fundamental principles to which we are committed, forfeits its God - given mandate to rule. It therefore cannot demand submission and obedience of its citizens. It is like "the beast" in Revelation 13, which usurps power and terrorises God's defenceless people thus fermenting anarchy and lawlessness in the land. We strongly feel that the Church has a God - given responsibility to prevent the development of such a situation in Zimbabwe. It is our opinion that Romans 13 is an indictment of the government, people and the Church of this country in the current situation.

State of the nation
We are aware that Zimbabwe is locked in a crisis of governance that is characterised by the undermining of the rule of law, the use of political violence as a tool of intimidation, coercion and suppression of any form of opposition and the selective application of the law.

We acknowledge the historical imbalances in respect of land distribution. However, we do not approve of irresponsible, inhuman, violent, partisan and non - transparent methods of addressing the problem.

We are aware that a culture of violence that began during the colonial era, which has been taken to higher levels with impunity by the present regime, continues to escalate unabated.

We are also aware that the country is facing an economic crisis that is reflected in hyper inflation, unemployment, shortage of cash and other basic commodities. The most affected victims are the poorest of the country while the rich get richer.

The conference is concerned about the emergence of class divisions, rampant corruption and the distortion of Zimbabwe's social fibre which seem to benefit the elite of this country.

The conference is disturbed by the militarisation of key civilian institutions such as the Grain Marketing Board, Electoral Supervisory Commission, etc.

The conference is also concerned that draconian pieces of law such as Public Order and Security Act (POSA), Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), Broadcasting Act and Citizenship Act are stifling fundamental freedoms and liberties of Zimbabwe citizens.

The conference is deeply disturbed by the indoctrination and abuse of young people in the so-called national youth service centres whose graduates are used as a youth militia who, alongside the war veterans, commit serious human rights abuses and violence for party political ends.

We are deeply concerned about the physical, psychological and emotional violence perpetrated upon students in institutions of higher learning.

We are concerned about the erosion of democracy, academic freedom and autonomy of institutions of higher learning as well as the high - handed tactics of the regime in responding to the concerns of staff and students.

We are concerned about violence and discrimination against women and lack of recognition and acknowledgement of their indispensable role in society. We are particularly concerned about the feminisation of poverty and the absence of a national policy measures that address and respond to the specific needs of women.

We are mindful of the pain and suffering that has been caused by the deadly HIV/Aids pandemic and hereby reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness, combating further infections and protecting the infected and affected from stigmatisation in Zimbabwe.

Conference demands
In an attempt to break this vicious cycle, we demand the following:-

• The prophetic voice of the Church to the nation must be strengthened to transform fear into faith.
• The conference affirms the Bishops' efforts to foster a dialogue between the MDC and ZANU (PF) but is concerned about the lack of progress. We therefore urge all parties concerned to treat the talks with urgency.
• The so - called National Youth Service should be abolished immediately, the youth from the centres must be rehabilitated and equal employment opportunities created for all the young people of Zimbabwe.
• Academic freedom must be restored in institutions of higher learning. The state must not interfere in the day to day running of these institutions.
• Food distribution must be depoliticised and made accessible to all regardless of political and ideological affiliation.
• Civic liberties must be restored by the immediate repeal of POSA, AIPPA, Broadcasting Act, Citizenship Act and PVO Act.
• The 1979 constitution was a ceasefire document which is open to abuse and does not nurture democracy. We therefore demand an immediate repeal of this constitution and its replacement by a new people - driven constitution.

We further commit ourselves to a campaign that will lead to the realisation of these demands.

For further information, contact:
Ecumenical Support Services
P.O.Box 1524
Harare, Zimbabwe
tel/fax: 703474
email: ess@mango.zw

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