Tinashe Sambiri|Fearless cleric, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya has challenged Zanu PF bigwigs- Including Emmerson Mnangagwa – to embrace the truth, confess and repent so that the nation can move forward.
Bishop Magaya reprimanded Mr Mnangagwa’s administration for protecting corrupt individuals.
He also denounced selective application of justice and t harassment of perceived government opponents in the country.
Below is Bishop Magaya’s argument:
REFLECTIONS ON 41 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE : THE CHURCHES PERSPECTIVE
It would not be incorrect to state that the past 41 years of our independence have more of heart rending experiences than joyous moments.
Looking back through memory lane, it becomes abundantly clear that there are indelible scars born out of the state induced inflictions upon the citizenry.
Remember the Matabeleland massacres stretching from 1983 to 1987. Remember a bloody violence season from late 1988 to 1990 following Tekeres formation of Zimbabwe Unity Movement( ZUM ).
Remember the economic structural adjustment program ( ESAP ) in the early 90s that left many poorer. Remember the land seizures with atrocities associated with them. Remember the two decades of state sponsored killings, abductions, maiming’s , destruction of homes and peoples livelihoods since the formation of the MDC in 1999.
The cycle within which we are currently ,is characterized by continued protection of the corrupt, deceitfulness of the highest order, continued abductions, arbitrary arrests, selective application of the law and reversal of the gains of the democratic struggle through unreasonable and hatred driven recalls of parliamentarians and councillors under the guise of the law.
Resulting from this has been hurts, mistrust, a very divided nation, glaring absence of commonly shared values and a national unifying vision among many such ills.
The church’s position is that going forward, we can only return to normalcy if we embrace the truth. The bible says in John 8 vs 32, ” You will know the truth and the truth shall set you free”. There is no amount of gimmick and propaganda that can replace the truth.
Knowing this ,the Psalmist puts forward in chapter 85 vs 10 four personified concepts as central to the healing of any nation. He writes, “Truth and mercy will meet together. Justice and Peace will kiss”. A careful examination of the syntax presented here by this amazing prophetic poet shows that : first , truth telling is the starting point.
What is it that has happened before. Who has killed who ? Who was behind the Matabeleland massacres, 2008 post harmonized elections , first of August shootings etc. ? What is the foundation of true nationhood? Second, truth alone will not work.
After truth is told and confession made, mercy ensues. When there is mercy, there is forgiveness. True forgiveness happens easily when there is contrition of heart and brokenness of spirit.
Third, justice not just retributive one but restorative justice will move the nation forward. Justice is against selective application of the law.
Justice must not just be done but must be seen to be done. Forth, when justice happens, peace will be a natural outflow. Peace will kiss justice.
In conclusion , I want to make reference to a peace building scholar by the name Lederach. He talks about reconciliation as having three paradoxes hat it has to deal with.
He says , “One reconciliation promotes an encounter between the opening of an expression of a painful past on the one hand, and the search for the articulation of a long term interdependent future, on the other. Two, reconciliation provides a place for truth and mercy to meet where concerns for exposing what has happened and for letting go in favor of renewed relationships are validated and embraced.
Three, reconciliation should give time and space for both justice and peace”.
The Zimbabwean political leadership has the responsibility to make things right. The church should deeply reflect on thee things and facilitate healing of the nation through the aforesaid process. God save Zimbabwe.
