18/11/2008
Press release
Issued by the CBCEW
Zimbabwean Bishops thank Catholic Church in England & Wales and call for prayer
Archbishop of Harare Robert Ndlovu and Bishop Martin Munyanyi this week thanked the Church in England and Wales for its support, solidarity and prayer for the people of Zimbabwe as they joined the Bishops’ Conference meeting in Leeds as guests. They also gave thanks for the welcome that had been extended to Zimbabweans who had come to this country over the past few years.
The Zimbabwean bishops were invited to attend the conference plenary by Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor and Bishop Crispian Hollis following their visit to Zimbabwe earlier this year.
Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor said he was delighted to welcome his fellow bishops to the conference plenary:
“The Church in Zimbabwe is giving a remarkable and courageous witness amidst great suffering,” said the Cardinal.
“I know from our recent visit that Bishop Hollis and I made to Harare that Archbishop Robert is providing great leadership in intensely difficult conditions and it has been a privilege for all of us for both he and Bishop Martin to join our conference meeting.”
Archbishop Ndlovu said they were both pleased to join the conference meeting.
“We are grateful to have this opportunity to thank the bishops of England and Wales for their solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe at this critical moment,” said Archbishop Ndlovu.
“This meeting is an expression of our unity as Church. It is my sincere hope that the prayers and practical efforts of Catholics here will help us realise a much-awaited solution to the Zimbabwe crisis.
We appeal to all of our sister Churches to continue to stay with us and to maintain their efforts to support us."