Zimbabwe's Mugabe unmoved by Archbishop of Canterbury's plea for Anglican leaders' security
October 11, 2011
Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe lectured the Archbishop of Canterbury on Church history when the Anglican leader met with him on October 10 to discuss violence against Anglican clergy in the African country.
Dr. Rowan Williams presented Mugabe with a report on acts of violence and intimidation against Anglican bishops and priests in Zimbabwe. The Anglican leader asked Mugabe to ensure that all religious leaders are free from violence.
Violence against Anglican clerics has become widespread because of a conflict between mainstream Anglican leaders and a breakaway prelate, Bishop Nolbert Kunonga of Harare. A dedicated ally of Mugabe, Kunonga has won the government’s support for his claim to represent the authentic Anglican community leadership—despite having been excommunicated by world Anglican leaders including Dr. Williams.
When Dr. Williams spoke with Mugabe about the rebellious prelate, the autocratic ruler replied that the Anglican church itself is “a breakaway group” that splintered from the Catholic Church.
After his meeting with Mugabe, the Archbishop of Canterbury said they had had “a very serious conversation with real exchange,” in which ‘disagreement was expressed clearly but I think in a peaceable manner."
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Further information:
- Robert Mugabe offers Rowan Williams tea but little sympathy (Guardian)
- Report: Zimbabwe bishops threatened, abused (AP)
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Posted by: -
Oct. 11, 2011 9:29 PM ET USA
Even Zimbabwe’s less than credible leader, can, when speaking the truth, blow holes in the Protestant error. At the end of the day, truth is what it is, and error completely baseless, regardless how one pretends to speak with authority. Our Lord Jesus Christ said to his apostles, and by extension to their successors, the bishops & priests of the One, Holy, Catholic & Apostolic Church: “All power is given to me in heaven and in earth. Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.” (St Matthew 28:18-20). No Protestant can answer satisfactorily, the simple question: “Who sent you?”
