While it is convenient to talk about 'the church' in Zimbabwe as if it were a unified group, in reality it's a complex mix of political opinions, which have polarised and divided God’s people.
Who speaks for God?
The church is not a political party – widely divergent views are bound to exist both nationally and locally.
However, in a country like Zimbabwe where political issues have literally become issues of life and death, these differences have resulted in deep divisions within the church.
A strong comparison can be drawn with the divisions in the church and society during the apartheid era in South Africa.
This raises the age-old question of ‘who speaks for God?’ in situations of violence and oppression such as present-day Zimbabwe.
A recent visit to Zimbabwe on behalf of Tearfund to meet with the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA) and other church and civil society leaders revealed divergent views on the role of the church in responding to the escalating crisis in Zimbabwe.
These ranged from uncompromising condemnation and rejection of Mugabe’s regime through to non-confrontation and even practical engagement with the ruling party.
Church as the conscience
Interestingly, the leaders of secular civil society organisations were very clear that the role of the church is to be the ‘conscience’ of society.
They felt that it should be providing leadership and guidance in the current crisis and that it should have a key role in promoting national healing and reconciliation in a post-Mugabe dispensation.
As a moral guardian of society, it should interpret Biblical standards of justice and righteousness to articulate what is wrong in Zimbabwe and why it is wrong - and then advocate for an end to oppression.
The ZCA and its leadership were commended for seeking to play this role in Zimbabwe.
Unsurprisingly, some leaders of the traditional church structures were ambivalent about the ZCA’s role and the position they have assumed.
However, most did concede that the ZCA have a role to play, while also defending the alternate approach of negotiation and diplomacy with the ruling party.
Speaking with a prophetic voice
To remain relevant in the rapidly changing and challenging socio-political landscape of Zimbabwe, the Church in Zimbabwe needs to be able to hear what the Spirit is saying.
History, however, reveals that it is always only a few that are prepared to listen to God and to be used as a catalyst for social transformation.
In taking on this role in Zimbabwe, the ZCA is to be commended and needs our constant prayer and support.
In seeking to give expression to the prophetic voice of the church in this context, they need to engage in vigorous theological (and prayerful) reflection.