Church involvement in the transition to democracy in post-colonial Zimbabwe (1980-2008)

Abstract

Democracy, “government by the people, for the people” in Zimbabwe, as in most post-colonial African countries, is an ideal, and the attainment of it is difficult, as we can see from the absence of and pretensions to it. In Zimbabwe itself, the road to democracy since independence from colonial oppresssion has been filled with blind alleys and impasses. Throughout history, the church has been a recognised key partner with the state in particular, and society in general, in the discourse facilitating the democratisation process. In this context, the church shares in the mission of Christ as a pacesetter in offering prophetic advocacy, and in education as a driver of social transformation. This article explores church engagement in the transition to democracy, using access points that include promoting liberation, reconciliation and reconstruction, and inculcating democratic values of respect for human dignity and the participation of all people in decisions that affect the quality and direction of their lives. The article explores the question of how the church has exercised its role in the transition from colonial rule to democracy in Zimbabwe by defining the term “transition to democracy”, examining the situation in Zimbabwe, and exposing the church’s engagement with it. Pertinent questions for the appraisal are: What has been done? What is being done? Do the interventions go deep enough? What needs to be done?