Page 7 - Moravian Messenger July 2018

a path of appeasement of the Government, recognising the laws as they were passed. I found the same with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. I was on the committee but my comments were ignored. Then I spoke out in public from the high table at a donors' conference and was suppressed by the president. The next time I spoke from the floor at a discussion on new laws controlling donors and suppressing the media, to no avail. They were being threatened in the press: the headline being 'Does ZCC have a death wish?'
For the rule of law and justice to prevail, a free press is essential. Ian Smith, of UDI fame, began the rot when he censored the biggest newspaper. At least we knew about the censorship, because the editors left blank spaces. Mugabe simply took over the papers. When the Independent was founded, he had their offices blown up. However, the media should not become another tyrant. Another requirement is a free judiciary. Mugabe replaced dissenting judges with his own yes-men.
The result of this despotism, nepotism, corruption and destruction is that
Zimbabwe has gone from being the bread basket of Africa to starvation of the rural poor; from 90% literacy to an unbalanced school system where only wealth counts; and to the breakdown of the medical system where the same is true. Rampant inflation has made a nonsense of the economy.
As individuals and churches we need first to seek God's will in prayer and Bible reading, inform ourselves before voting (a privilege) and think carefully about governance and issues as freedom and licence, the uneven distribution of wealth, capitalism, democracy, socialism and communism.
Zimbabwe will be holding a General Election on 30th July. Please pray for this country and give thanks for our own democracy. Bible readings to reflect on about this issue are Psalm 37:1-19 and feel the emphasis on land and righteousness, Micah 2:1-2 where the prophet speaks woe to those who seize lands and Ephesians 6:10-18 where the Apostle Paul calls for us to put on the full armour of God.
Sr Dilys Howard
Leominster
Rev David Bunney
Rev David Bunney died on 26th December 2017. David was a United Reformed Church Minister who served the joint Moravian and URC congregation at Bedford St Luke's from November 2004 until its closure in October 2008. During his time at St Luke's he fully embraced life as a Moravian minister and attended synods including the Continental Province Synod and ministers meetings and enjoyed the fellowship of the Moravian Church. After retirement he took occasional Moravian services in the Moravian Churches in the Western District. David was well read, erudite and musical. He was a valued contributor to the Moravian Messenger with significant articles on music. In 2017 he gave a paper at 'My heart strangely warmed' the Moravian, Methodist and Lutheran Day at Fulneck, celebrating the Reformation's influence on art and music in Europe. As a fluent German speaker and lover of railways he delighted in travelling across Europe to attend the Moravian Ministers Conference at Montmirail and at Herrnhut. He made many friends in the Moravian Church who will miss his intelligent faith and friendship and his sense of humour as witnessed by his personal email name 'holyrabbit'.
We will remember his life and service with gratitude at Synod and offer our sympathy to his family.
Sr Sarah Groves
Editor
(1) https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41995876, Emmerson Mnangagwa: The 'crocodile' who snapped back, BBC News 24th November 2017.
(2) https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/grace-mugabe-smuggled-poachedivory-cfb3bzvsq The Times 26th March 2018.
(3) ttps://dioceseofhararecpca.wordpress.com/2008/06/12/kunonga-excommunicated-as- persecution-of-anglicans-continues-episcopal-life-us-19-may-08/
(4) 'Mugabe and the White African' by Ben Freeth (2011), p.25. See also 'Against the Grain: Memoirs of a Zimbabwean Newsman', by Geoffrey Nyarota (2006); and 'Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa', by Peter Godwin (1997).
Too old for summer camp?
Would like to help?
Then support camp with your prayers and money. The fee paid for the young people only covers the cost of their accommodation and meals, money for extras has to be raised from other sources. Perhaps you would like to pay for a young person to get into Alton Towers for £22 (£24.50 if over 16); or £190 would allow 12 young people to do an activity at Carsington Water; or £190 for craft materials; donations from £5 to £500 (that would be an amazing craft!) would help cover the cost of resources for on site activities, from balloons to games equipment, marshmallows for campfire, drinks in the tea shop, or boring things like First Aid kits, medicines etc.
To make a donation please contact your minister or Joy Raynor (joy.raynor@moravian.org.uk or phone 01753553549)
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