Pray for Christians facing harassment in Zimbabwe

Prayers are requested as Anglicans in Harare plan a worship service on Sunday to protest against ongoing intimidation by an ex-communicated bishop.

Up to 30 Anglican congregations will attend the service outside Harare Cathedral at 11.30am (09.30 GMT). The event is being organised by the Rt Revd Chad Gandiya, Bishop of Harare and a former USPG desk officer.

Since his formal ex-communication in May 2008 from the Province of Central Africa, pro-Mugabe bishop Nolbert Kunonga has attempted to hold onto Anglican property in Harare and set up his own province.

In recent weeks, Kunonga has increased his efforts to block Bishop Chad’s Anglican congregations from worshipping in Harare Cathedral and other church buildings by locking churches, co-opting police to disperse congregations, or using thugs to impart violence.

Bishop Chad said he has invited President Robert Mugabe to attend the service on Sunday – though he has not received a response.

Ex-communicated bishop plans to disrupt service

Speaking to The Guardian, Bishop Chad said: ‘We have received word that Dr Kunonga is planning to disrupt our service. So [we have] made the security departments of the government aware. What they do with the knowledge is their business.’

He added: ‘It is incumbent on me to encourage our people. I feel responsible in terms of encouraging them and giving them a sense of hope even though the situation may seem hopeless.’

USPG General Secretary Bishop Michael Doe was in Zimbabwe earlier this month and was himself prevented by police from preaching inside two churches.

Bishop Michael said: ‘The people who have been locked out Sunday by Sunday have been remarkably patient, despite being confronted and, on some occasions, actually beaten either by the police or by Kunonga’s thugs while the police stood by.

‘This combined service outside the cathedral will be a large-scale and non-violent demonstration of their right to worship and of the way that they have stayed faithful to God's calling through all these difficult years.’

Prior to his ex-communication, Kunonga was accused of incitement to murder and intimidation. One year, when it was his wedding anniversary, he cancelled church services throughout the country and instructed clergy and congregations to send gifts and food to the party he gave his wife.

Posted on 29.01.2010