The Methodist and United Reformed Churches are to join Christians around the world in praying for Zimbabwe. Churches worldwide will come together on 25 January to pray for justice in Zimbabwe, where food remains scarce and at least 1,800 people have died in a cholera outbreak. The call to prayer and fasting was issued by the All Africa Conference of Churches'.
The Rev John Marsh, Moderator of the General Assembly of The United Reformed Church, is calling on the denomination's member churches to take part by commencing their services on the prayer day with the lighting of a candle and a minute's silence in prayer in solidarity with the people and churches of Zimbabwe.
"With the eyes of the world's media now firmly fixed on the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, we need to be reminded of the immense pain and suffering that continues to haunt the people of Zimbabwe," he said.
The British Methodist Church's Secretary for External Relationships, Christine Elliott, was at the Ninth Assembly of the AACC in Maputo, Mozambique, last month. During the assembly, the AACC backed resolutions calling for an end to the violence and political freedom of expression in Zimbabwe.
Steve Hucklesby, Public Issues Policy Adviser for The Methodist Church, said Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe should relinquish power.
"We want a process that can bring about the longing of all Zimbabweans for a free and fair society," he said. "Robert Mugabe lost the Presidential election. Zanu PF came second in Parliamentary elections. Mr Mugabe must be prepared to relinquish power if Zimbabweans are to be free."
He continued, "The food and cholera crisis are symptoms of the meltdown of the economy and provision of essential services.
"Water is contaminated with human waste and health services are not functioning in many areas. The government's response is to increase security and suppress dissent. Some humanitarian aid is getting through but much more is needed."
The suggested reading for the day of prayer is Isaiah 58:6-9. The Churches have also compiled a special prayer:
God of power and truth,

May your peace rest with the restless of Zimbabwe.

May your love inspire the hearts of all those who long and work for justice.

May your healing touch the wounds of those suffering and bereaved.

May your truth be spoken in dangerous places.

May we not be idle in working, praying, longing and searching for your Kingdom in this broken world.

Amen