Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News
In a powerful pastoral statement to be read in all parishes this Sunday, the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has issued a direct appeal to the nation’s conscience and its Senators, urging them to “choose life” and reject the impending Medical Services Bill.
The Bill, set for a vote in the Senate in the coming week, proposes amendments to the Termination of Pregnancy Act, which the bishops warn “seeks to legalize abortion in Zimbabwe.”
Citing Deuteronomy 30:19, the statement declares: “As the Church we are totally against abortion, and we would like to appeal to all people of faith and all those who value life to pray and speak against this evil.”
The Bishops framed the moment as a critical historical juncture, contrasting last year’s abolition of the death penalty with the current legislation.
“How sad it is that the whole world celebrated with us last year… and today it watches as we take a back step and sanction the massacre of the innocent,” the statement reads.
“History will judge us harshly for failing to defend the lives of the weaker members of our society.”
The statement upholds “the sanctity of life from conception to a natural death,” a principle it says is mirrored in Zimbabwean traditional culture. It calls on all citizens, especially people of faith, to pray and to directly contact their Senators to urge a ‘no’ vote.
In a direct challenge to the nation’s lawmakers, the Bishops posed a pointed question:
“To our Senators we make a strong appeal to your consciences: Is it money, political correctness or seeking relevance that sees you choose to worship at the altar of human sacrifice? As Moses commanded the Israelites, we urge you to choose life.”
The statement is signed by ZCBC President Bishop Paul Horan of Mutare and the conference’s full leadership, including the Archbishops of Harare and Bulawayo.
The faithful are invited to begin a period of prayer from today Sunday, 14 December, leading up to the Senate vote, for the protection of life and for the Senators tasked with the decision.
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