Statement by South African Council of Churches
The South African Council of Churches (SACC), in its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on 8 November, noted with deep concern the current political crisis in Mozambique following the national elections. The results thereof are being contested by some parties who have participated in the elections. This has resulted in some rejecting the results, especially the youth. The streets of major centres in Mozambique have turned into grounds of protest, with tear-gas and live ammunition being used to disperse the crowds, in an attempt to silence what may be perceived as dissent.
The above situation, especially in major centres of Mozambique has resulted in the destruction of property, the loss of livelihoods, and the unfortunate loss of lives, where at least 30 people have reportedly been killed in the clashes. The temporary closure of the corridors of trade is likely to tighten the grip of economic vulnerability on the citizens of Mozambique, where an estimated 1.5 million people were in urgent need of humanitarian assistance prior to the start of the elections, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. Food security is already a national concern, and the current conflict will only exacerbate the situation.
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The needs of the people of Mozambique at this time are varied, and we have a responsibility to pray and act for the those in need. We are encouraged by the work of all faith communities and civil society in Mozambique who are providing relief and support to those who are stuck between the borders, which have only partially been re-opened.
The SACC is further encouraged by the readiness of Christian communities like the Salvation Army, who are members of the SACC, who have shown willingness to provide social support and relief to the people of Mozambique especially around the border with South Africa. The SACC encourages all churches especially those in close proximity to the Lebombo border post, to offer whatever level of humanitarian support they are able to in a collaborative way in the locality to the people in need.
The SACC is joining an official Solidarity Visit to Mozambique, lead by the Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference (SACBC) President, Bishop Sithembele Sipuka, who is also the current president of the SACC.
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The SACBC and SACC will stand in solidarity with the people of Mozambique especially the Christian communities who have been calling for an end to the hostilities and a move towards dialogue as a means of finding each other, for the benefit of all the people of Mozambique.
While on the ground, the SACBC and the SACC will meet with the Catholic community and other leaders who are members of the Christian Council of Mozambique to discuss the situation in Mozambique.
The delegation, as led by President Sipuka, along with the SACC General Secretary, Rev Mzwandile Molo approaches the visit with the heaviness of heart as best reflected in Jesus in Luke 19: 41-42 as translated in The Passion Translation: “When Jesus caught sight of the city, he burst into tears with uncontrollable weeping …’ If only you could recognise that this day peace is within your reach! But you cannot see it.”
We, as the SACC are inspired by the work done by the Fellowship Of Christian Councils of Southern Africa (FOCCISA) and the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) who are all praying for the return of peace and the resolution of the current crisis with no further loss of life or destruction of property.
It is our prayer that the people of Mozambique will hear the words of Jesus as recorded in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give you as the world does …” (New Revised Standard Version).
As we visit we commit – holding hands with the people of Mozambique – to pray and act for peace, security and dignity.
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