Zimbabwe:FW Country & prayer pages 27/8/08 16:37 Page 46
Province of Central Africa
Zimbabwe
Z
imbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia)
was once a rich country, producing food for
much of sub-Saharan Africa. Today it is in the grip
of starvation and destitution for all but the political
elite, with daily atrocities carried out on those who rebel. Added to
this, out of a total population of 12.3 million, an estimated 1.8 million
are living with HIV/AIDS.
Disrupted services going through is only for a while. “We shall
The Church and Mothers’ Union are not overcome!”’
immune to the country’s troubles. In a
recent statement to the Secretary General Prayer plea
of the UN, the Archbishop of Canterbury There are five dioceses in Zimbabwe, all
referred to the brutality towards Christians with active Mothers’ Union members. Once
and the violence against Mothers’ Union political stability and security are re-
members at meetings. Mothers’ Union has established there will be a lot to do.
received moving reports from leaders of Meanwhile we must pray for all the people
disrupted services and members being of Zimbabwe, both those within the country
forced out of churches. Yet they are faithful and those who have left.
and still meet to worship and pray.
Riot police
In April riot police broke up Zimbabwe’s first
big Mothers’ Union event since the Diocese
of Harare was re-formed last November as
part of the Church of the Province of Central
Africa (CPCA). More than 3,000 members
gathered, some travelling more than 150
miles (250k) to attend. The Bishop of
Harare’s wife, Ruth Bakare who was the
main speaker on the day, said, ‘What we are
Queuing for food from a Mothers’
Union soup kitchen in Manicaland
Fact File
Population: 12,382,920 Mothers’ Union Members: 17,500
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