Faith Mandizha
THE Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC) have issued a statement calling for peaceful and non-violent conduct during the country’s elections period.
They stressed that human life is sacred and urged citizens to vote and stay peaceful in contributing to the common good of the nation.
The bishops commended the media for their work and urged them to maintain objectivity in their coverage during the elections.
They also highlighted the significance of the Synod on Synodality and called for unity and respect for one another regardless of the outcome of the elections.
They also urged citizens to embrace the call to participate peacefully for the betterment of Zimbabwe. ZCBC chairman, Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro, said he firmly believes that peaceful and non-violent elections are the only legitimate means to seek support for public offices.
“At the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) we have made strides in growing to be a democratic country and we strongly encourage a peaceful environment because human life is sacred as we also share the views of Pope Francis who considers politics as a noble profession which seeks the promotion of dignity of the human person and respect for human life.
“We encourage everyone to vote and stay peaceful. We believe that voting is an opportunity for everyone to directly participate in the governance of our country.
“These elections, however, coincide with the Catholic Church’s celebration of the Synod on Synodality. The meaning of Synod is moving together, seeing together, and working together as a church. In the spirit of the Synod, everyone is given an opportunity to participate freely, to speak out and to be listened to,” he said.
He said there is life before, during and after elections.