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Ecumenical Peace Observation Initiative (EPOIZ) – launch
Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations
May 10, 2013

The Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) is launching the Ecumenical Peace Observation Initiative in Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Members of civil society, churches, political parties, traditional leaders and interested individuals are invited to attend.

The Ecumenical Peace Observation Initiative in Zimbabwe (EPOIZ) is our response and contribution as Church to promoting peace in Zimbabwe before, during and after elections. EPOIZ is our joint initiative which signals our intention and commitment to having a united advocacy voice and coordinated programmes for monitoring and responding to violence and human rights abuses. We believe this work to be a part of our Ministry and our mandate; to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set to liberty those who are oppressed and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.

The initiative has two specific goals which are:

• To promote peace in Zimbabwe and overcome the culture of intolerance, intimidation and political violence;
• To facilitate forgiveness, national healing and reconciliation in Zimbabwe.
• Our overriding concern is the promotion of peace in Zimbabwe.

In doing this work we as the Churches in Zimbabwe have not been alone. We have been blessed with and have enjoyed the solidarity and support that has come from the regional and international church. We have also received solidarity and support messages from The Elders. This is an independent group of global leaders who work for the promotion of peace and human rights. They were brought together by the former president of South Africa Mr. Nelson Mandela and today the group is chaired by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

“The role that spiritual leaders from different denominations can play in alleviating grievances within the society, as well as speaking up against violations of human rights is crucial in order to provide a layer of protection to the most vulnerable and to act as a unifying force for good. We urge you to remain united while seeking a peaceful political transition for Zimbabwe. In our view, unity and open-mindedness are essential to the EPOIZ’s success during the difficult and crucial times that are coming.” (Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu on behalf of The Elders)

An official invitation will be delivered to your offices once an R.S.V.P to this email address is received.

We look forward to seeing you on the evening of the 21st May 2013 at Rainbow Hotel, Bulawayo to join with us in launching the Churches role for peace in Zimbabwe.

With sincere and kind regards

Dr. G. Shana, Chair of The Heads of Christian Denominations in Zimbabwe, ZHOCD.

Rev. L. Dube, General Secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, EFZ.

Fr F. Chiromba, General Secretary of Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference, ZCBC.

Dr. Rev. S. Zwana, General Secretary of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, ZCC.

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