LONDON, NOV. 18, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The participation of two Zimbabwean prelates in a meeting of bishops of England and Wales was called a sign of the Church’s unity as some dioceses face severe conflicts.
Archbishop Robert Ndlovu of Harare and Bishop Martin Munyanyi of Gweru thanked the Church in England and Wales for its support and prayer for the people of Zimbabwe as they joined the bishops’ conference meeting in Leeds as guests.
The African bishops also expressed gratitude for the welcome given to Zimbabweans who seek refuge in England.
Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, archbishop of Westminster, and Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth visited Zimbabwe earlier this year.
«The Church in Zimbabwe is giving a remarkable and courageous witness amid great suffering,» the cardinal affirmed.
For his part, Archbishop Ndlovu said: «We are grateful to have this opportunity to thank the bishops of England and Wales for their solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe at this critical moment.
«This meeting is an expression of our unity as Church. It is my sincere hope that the prayers and practical efforts of Catholics here will help us realize a much-awaited solution to the Zimbabwe crisis.
«We appeal to all of our sister Churches to continue to stay with us and to maintain their efforts to support us.»
Zimbabwe’s political situation is still in chaos after incumbent President Robert Mugabe held on to his position with a widely contested election in March and a runoff in June that followed a torture and killing intimidation campaign.
Meanwhile, some 2 million Zimbabweans depend on charity organizations for daily sustenance.
