Church calls for end to violence

Published on Monday 28 March 2011 17:15

Church leaders in Zimbabwe have called for an end to escalating political violence and the "hate language" fuelling it as elections approach and the nation slides deeper into a political crisis.

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches yesterday urged political leaders to "reflect deeply" and work to resolve outstanding issues before holding elections.

President Robert Mugabe has called for elections this year to end a troubled two-year coalition with the former opposition that was formed after violence-plagued elections in 2008.

Roman Catholic bishops and heads of other Christian denominations criticised politicians for what they described as "occasional denunciation" of violence.

"It must become more regular and be translated into reality," they said.