Supporting FOR-Zimbabwe in this time of political crisis

From Friday through Sunday, June 20-22, 2008, the National Council (governing board) and national staff of the U.S. Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR-USA), held its semi-annual meeting in Nyack, New York. In response to the deepening political crisis in Zimbabwe and a call from FOR-Zimbabwe for support, FOR-USA issued the following statement by unanimous acclamation:

To the Fellowship of Reconciliation, Zimbabwe

Beloved companions on the journey to a reconciled and healed world,

To the extent that it has been possible here in North America to follow events in Zimbabwe, FOR-USA members and staff have been alarmed as campaigning in the second round of presidential elections scheduled for June 27 became marked by increased intimidation and violence against civil society and all opposition to President Mugabe. Meeting this Sunday, June 22, 2008, in Nyack, New York, members of FOR-USA’s staff and National Council learned of the decision of Morgan Tsvangirai, standard-bearer of the Movement for Democratic Change, to withdraw from the presidential runoff.

Of one voice, we express our disapproval of what appears to be a policy of state-sponsored violence. We mourn the deaths of so many opposition supporters, the injuries to thousands more, and the collapse of any pretense that the second round of elections could be democratic. We lament that Zimbabwe's neighbors and much of the world community appear to have shut its eyes to these human rights abuses.

We commend your efforts as FOR-Zimbabwe to help create conditions for a fair and nonviolent second round of presidential elections on June 27. Even at this late date, we are hoping that negotiations may lead a peaceful resolution of the crisis. We will communicate to our elected legislators in the U.S. Congress and the White House our deepest concern for the ongoing crisis, and urge our political leaders to call on the Zimbabwean government to take immediate action to end the violence.

Looking beyond the election, we identify with you as your nation struggles with significant social instability arising from drought, severe food scarcity, and a devastated economy. Seeking ways to express solidarity with you, we hold you and all the people of Zimbabwe in the light of prayer.

Paul R. Dekar Mark C. Johnson
Chair, National Council, FOR-USA Executive Director, FOR-USA

We encourage all FOR members, across the United States and throughout the world, to urgently reach out to their political leaders and call for efforts to help end the violence in Zimbabwe.