Press statement from Bishop Bakare – 7 May 08

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH CONTINUES TO BE PERSECUTED
Matthew 5:10-11
“Blessed are they that are being persecuted for righteous…”
a) We the Anglican Church of the Diocese of Harare (CPCA) are deeply concerned about the continuous disruption by the Police and the disregard of High Court Orders by the Law Enforcement Agents. Such High Court orders issued by the following:
1.  Judge President Rita Makarau HC 345/08
2.  Justice Karwi HC 402/08
3.  Justice Hungwe HC 3208/07
4.  Justice Guvava HC 2259/08
All these orders are pointing to the effect that the Anglican Diocese of Harare (CPCA has a legal right to access and use the Anglican properties and premises. Unfortunately all these orders are being disregarded by some individuals who give orders from above. The issue regarding properties is still pending awaiting the final outcome of the Courts. (Ref. HC 6544/07).
b) The Police are supposed to be custodians of the law but what we are experiencing as the Diocese of Harare (CPCA) proves that the Police have become a law unto themselves by accepting “orders from above”. This godless behaviour displayed by police officers of pulling up people who are kneeling in prayer and worship is not a true reflection of levels of lawlessness in Zimbabwe or in the Force, but in individual police officers.
c) The recent press statement in the Herald (5 May 2008) indicating that Dr Kunonga (who has been granted super-citizen status) has been given the sole custodianship of the Diocesan properties is not true but a gross misrepresentation of the legal fact before the Court.
d) The Anglican Diocese of Harare (CPCA) is not an appendix of any political party in Zimbabwe. The Church PREACHES RIGHTEOUSNESS AND NOT PARTY POLITICS.
Therefore we call upon our Ecumenical partners to join us in prayer as we fight for religious freedom which is being trampled upon. We believe that what is happening to the Diocese of Harare (CPCA) is indicative of what could happen to any denomination in this country tomorrow. As a Christian body we understand that if one member of the Body of Christ suffers or is persecuted, the whole body is affected.
Bishop Sebastian Bakare

ENDS