Dumisani Ngwenya

Peacebuilding by Zimbabwean Churches: Theological Foundations and Case Studies Dumisani Ngwenya

Does religion or more specifically, the Christian faith have a legitimate role to play in peacebuilding? Religion has in the past been known to be the cause of rather than a solution to violence. However, it is becoming widely accepted, even in political circles, as having a positive role to play and more opportunities are being accorded to religious institutions and leaders to play key roles in addressing issues of violence. Organisations like USIP have played a leading role in engaging religion in peacebuilding efforts globally. The Church's responsibility is not just a spiritual one. Issues of social justice and speaking on behalf of the downtrodden and poor form part of its mandate (Micah 6:8). The Church in Zimbabwe, like the Church elsewhere has had to struggle to determine what role it should play in the Zimbabwean crisis. Perhaps not so much in Theological debates but in its praxis of the Gospel. Unlike the Church in South Africa, the Zimbabwean Church has not been deliberate in enunciating it theological basis for action, but with every crisis, it has found itself being forced to play a proactive role in peacebuilding.