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The Archbishops of Canterbury and York today launch a massive drive to help the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe to address its country’s crisis
The Archbishops’ Zimbabwe Appeal – launched by Archbishops Rowan Williams and John Sentamu, in partnership with USPG – is a call to all churches in England to make a donation to support dioceses and parishes in Zimbabwe.
Inflation is skyrocketing, unemployment stands at more than 70 per cent, and 7.2 million of Zimbabwe’s 12 million population is at risk of starvation.
The Revd Chad Gandiya, USPG’s Regional Desk Officer for Africa, said: ‘I hope this appeal will make a difference to the poor, but also to the impact of the Anglican Church in Zimbabwe.
‘We are hoping that first and foremost the Anglican Church will be involved in meeting humanitarian needs: alleviating hunger, tackling health issues such as cholera and AIDS, and supporting agriculture through developing church farms which would in turn help the surrounding communities. Also, some dioceses are offering counselling for those traumatised by the political situation.’
Chad offered the following overview of the current situation:
‘The government has decided to pay wages in dollars or foreign currency. This was important in that something had to change, but you have to think how it affects the poor. Those who cannot access foreign currency will be less able to access goods or pay for education, so they will have trouble sending their children to school. You can still use local currency, if you can get it, but fewer people are willing to accept it, so it’s very difficult.
‘Zimbabwe’s unity government has started operating, which is good, but it has also highlighted how much needs sorting out, so people are still sceptical. Infrastructure has practically ceased functioning, which is a major challenge to the new government. They need lots of money to rebuild the infrastructure.
‘The church is hoping that the unity government will allow the courts to resume their work without the interference of the police. The Dioceses of Harare and Manicaland might regain properties that had been taken from them by excommunicated bishops. The old system still at work, but it is hoped this will change with the new government.
‘Cholera figures are still very high. The South African government says the situation is contained, but those on the ground say otherwise. Also, it’s starting to have an effect on neighbouring countries because – although politically they are refusing to link it with Zimbabwe – Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique have each reported cases of cholera. So what happens in Zimbabwe is affecting neighbouring countries in terms of health.
‘Meanwhile, in the Diocese of Manicaland, there is a dire shortage of clergy, and the bishop has been appealing for priests to come and work with them.’
How to make a donation to the Archbishops’ Zimbabwe Appeal:
Posted on 25.02.2009
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