Zimbabwe’s Catholic Bishops Call on Mugabe to Reform Following Political Violence
April 12, 2007 | Printer Friendly

Reuters reports that Catholic bishops in Zimbabwe have spoken out against the government of Robert Mugabe for “economic hardship and political repression.”  Mugabe, who is a Catholic who “attends church regularly,” was also specifically condemned by the bishops for the violent crackdown on opposition leaders on March 11th.  The bishops “called for radical political reforms to avoid a revolt (in Zimbabwe)…” 

Reuters also reports the Catholic bishops of Zimbabwe have called for a “new people-driven constitution,” and “democratic leadership chosen in free and fair elections.”  They compared the current situation of blacks in the country under Mugabe as similar to the time of British colonial rule.  They accuse Mugabe of adopting “unjust and oppressive laws inherited at independence in 1980.”  A letter outlining the position of the bishops was posted in churches around the country during Easter.

Reuters also says that the efforts of the Catholic Church could have influence in persuading Mugabe to reform.  Political scientist professor at the University of Zimbabwe, Eldred Masunungure, says “the pastoral letter presents a new challenge to Mugabe,” and the bishops criticism has brought “a new moral authority to the Zimbabwe crises.”  The report indicates that Mugabe has “taken a hands-off approach to political critics within the Catholic Church,” which is noted as being the largest Christian denomination in the country.

For more information on the political violence in Zimbabwe and the response of the international community, visit CCD’s Zimbabwe Watch.

Sources:

Reuters: Catholic pressure may sway Mugabe to reform - analysts

Reuters: Zimbabwe’s Catholic bishops attack Mugabe’s rule