Zimbabwe

The people of Zimbabwe are 70–75 percent “religious,” but the Christian church is challenged by Islam and traditional religions. The PC(USA) is involved in Zambabwe through mission personnel and partner churches.

The church in Zimbabwe has a well-educated clergy and laity, but is under threat from the government. A major issue is land reform, and the church is standing up for those who have been left out in the new social and political structures resulting from independence. The economy has been hurt, and many people have been displaced. The churches are speaking out with a strong voice in spite of the risks, acting as peacemakers, working for a viable political process, and ministering to the victims of a low-intensity civil war. They are also looking to churches in Scotland and England to put pressure on the government to stop the power cycle and enact real reforms.

The United Theological College in Harare is a major institution in Zimbabwe. It has grown both in its student population and in its stature as a quality theological education center.

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 26

January 26

Overview of Africa

Related Stories

July 17, 2008 [ENI] Church must speak out on Zimbabwe, reiterates South Africa’s Boesak
June 25, 2008 [WCC] Zimbabwe needs urgent relief aid, postpone run-off election says young ecumenical leader
June 24, 2008  [WCC] World ecumenical bodies request international community to scale up efforts in Zimbabwe
June 18, 2008  [WCC] WCC calls on the UN to end violence in Zimbabwe, ensure free and fair election
June 17, 2008 [WCC] Pray for Zimbabwe, WCC invites churches worldwide
June 16, 2008  [ENI] Zimbabwe women tell churches, U.N. rights council, they face genocide
June 10, 2008 [ENI] Zimbabwe police swoop on Christian groups in Harare
May 22, 2008 [ENI] S. Africa's Boesak urges churches: Stand up to Zimbabwe 'tyranny'
May 9, 2008 [ENI] Zimbabwe churches and hospitals ‘forced to close’ in post-election violence
April 29, 2008  [WCC] Ecumenical observers challenge Zimbabwe election process and demand respect for the will of the people
April 28, 2008 Zimbabwean churches warn country faces ‘genocide’
April 25, 2008   [WCC] Statement on Zimbabwe by the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches
April 2008 Minute for Mission: Walking Humbly in Zimbabwe
April 25, 2008 [ENI] WCC calls on Zimbabwe to announce all election results
April 21, 2008 [ENI] Zimbabwe Christian students say Mugabe is as bad as Ian Smith

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• For information contact Ted and Susan Wright, Doug Welch or Lacey Gilliam

The ZZM Network is among more than 28 networks that connect Presbyterians who share a common mission interest. Most participants are involved in mission partnerships through congregations, presbyteries or synods. Network members come together to coordinate efforts, share best practices and develop strategies.