Current reports from Zimbabwe indicate there is no abatement of the government’s ‘Operation

Murambatsvina’ in that country. Vast disruption and displacement is resulting from the ongoing

expulsion of people from their homes and the demolition of whole communities.

Many Australian Churches have close links with Churches in Zimbabwe, and they remain deeply

concerned about this mounting and unnecessary tragedy. In an earlier media statement in June

the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) supported the Zimbabwe Council of

Churches in its calls to the government to obey the rule of law. It appears that these, and other,

much more strongly worded appeals, including those from many governments, are falling on

deaf ears. International agencies continue to call on President Mugabe to restore the rule of law

in Zimbabwe to alleviate the suffering of his people.

“International humanitarian agencies, including the NCCA’s Christian World Service, will do

what they can to help people on the ground,” said the Revd John Henderson, General Secretary

of the NCCA. “At the same time, we join the mounting global protest condemning these illegal

actions by a government against the very people it should be protecting, the weak and

vulnerable. We call upon the government of Zimbabwe to heed the call of God, of the people,

and of the nations of the world to change its course, and ensure future fair and democratic

processes.”

For further comment contact:

Revd John Henderson (General Secretary) 02 9299 2215

Mr Alistair Gee (Director, Christian World Service) 02 9299 2215