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 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 42

February 10

Overview of Africa

Related Stories

September 2, 2009 [WCC] Churches find role in "new Zimbabwe"
August 13, 2009 [Presbyterian Outlook/ENI] Church group urges truth commission on Zimbabwe violence
December 12, 2008 [ENI] Forced removal of Mugabe could cause bloodshed says church head
November 20, 2008 [ENI] Zimbabwe Christians vow prayer vigils until crisis ends
November 14, 2008  [WCC] Global ecumenical organizations plead for life, dignity and democracy in Zimbabwe
November 5, 2008  [ENI] Christian students say U.N. sidesteps Zimbabwe crisis
October 23, 2008  [WCC] Press briefing: Power-sharing and the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe
October 8, 2008 [CWS] CWS heralds Zimbabwe’s lifting of ban on humanitarian aid
September 19, 2008 [ENI] Zimbabwe church group urges 'national healing' after accord
September 15, 2008 [ENI] Church groups cautiously welcome Zimbabwe deal
July 21, 2008 [ENI] Southern African churches want economic sanctions on Zimbabwe
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

Denver Presbytery
Philadelphia Presbytery

• 2009 meeting date: Oct. 21–Oct. 22 (in conjunction with the Mission Celebration), Cincinnati, Ohio
• For information contact Doug Tilton, Nancy Collins, 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.