World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit arrived in Harare, Zimbabwe yesterday leading a delegation of church leaders from Europe, Africa and North America.

The two-day visit in the capital is an ecumenical solidarity visit to manifest Christian churches’ support for the people of Zimbabwe.

“We make this solidarity visit to Zimbabwe to express our commitment to work with the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), including our member churches and all peace-seeking people of Zimbabwe, and to support their tireless efforts on the ground to secure justice and peace in the country, said WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit.

The delegation will meet with Zimbabwe government officials, including the vice president.

Most Christian Churches in Zimbabwe are members of the Zimbabwe Council of Churches,  which is undergoing a revitalization under its new leader, Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata.

“We see ourselves as a manifestation and extension of the global Christian family, and we are confident that we can play an important role for the people of our country. The solidarity visit puts us on the ecumenical map and shows the vitality of our Christian fellowship”, explained Mtata.

In a country where 80 percent of the population is Christian, the ZCC’s mission is to facilitate the empowerment of and renewal of its member churches, so that they have a sustainable and transforming Christian presence in Zimbabwe.

“We envision a strong Christian ecumenical fellowship for a united, peaceful, just and prosperous nation, where all citizens experience holistic salvation”, said Mtata.

Press Conference Friday 19 May at 2pm (Local time)

Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), will this afternoon (Friday 19 May 2017) address a Press Conference at the Holiday Inn, Harare, to brief the media on the WCC solidarity visit to Zimbabwe.

The Press Conference  will start at 2pm. (Local time).