Ahead of Advent Season, Bishops in Zimbabwe Call for Reconciliation, Unity

They call on politicians to practice politics that is “inspired by the encounter with Christ and imbued with love and political charity.”

“Politics without charity can never bring about the common good. A politician's love for the nation and for the common good is seen in how they treat dissenting voices,” ZCBC members say.

In addressing themselves to politicians, the Bishops make reference to Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti saying, “Once more I appeal for a renewed appreciation of politics as a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity in as much as it seeks the common good.”

They emphasize the need for the people of God to embrace each other saying, “God has created all human beings equal in rights, duties and dignity and has called them to live together as brothers and sisters.”

“This call to live together and to recognize each other's dignity and rights is an important Advent message and the basis for a national convergence,” they say and quote the book of Ecclesiastes, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him. But pity the one who falls and has no one to help him!”

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Drawing inspiration from the Holy Father’s Encyclical Laudato Si’ where he talks about ecological crisis and calls for conversion, the Prelates lament the destruction of the environment and call on Zimbabweans to care for the earth. 

“This ecological crisis as we know is not far from our doorstep. In fact, it is inside our home fueled by poverty, business interests and consumerism,” they lament, adding, “Environmental exploitation and degradation affect people's lives and their God-given rights to enjoy what was created for all.”

ZCBC members further say that the Advent Season calls on Christians to “look again on how we can curb the destruction of this jewel of Africa.”

Acknowledging that Zimbabwe has had a “difficult journey this year” because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bishops call on the people of God in the country to put “the common good at the heart of our recovery plans.”

“We need to help each other. Simply being kind is one small way to do this,” they say.  

They continue, “Returning to communal liturgical celebrations will help foster communion among us. Advent is a good time to resume physical attendance at the Eucharistic celebration if we have not already started.”

“Let us use our time to talk creatively, positively and concretely about the future we dream and desire to build the Zimbabwe We Want,” the members of ZCBC say in their November 18 collective message ahead of the Advent Season. 

Magdalene Kahiu is a Kenyan journalist with passion in Church communication. She holds a Degree in Social Communications from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). Currently, she works as a journalist for ACI Africa.