By CCN Reporter

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace in Zimbabwe recently held a strategic planning workshop in Harare which will guide their operations from the year 2023 to 2027. The workshop, which was attended by CCJPZ Diocesan Coordinators and their spiritual advisors, also sought to plan ways of handling the upcoming national harmonized elections and to ensure that peace and justice prevail before, during and after elections. The CCJPZ strategic formulation focussed on fulfilling the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s vision and mission in evangelisation.

The meeting encouraged the swift exchange of up-to-date and correct information between the dioceses and the national office. CCJPZ Coordinators were challenged to engage with all stakeholders in an effort to create peace and to fight political violence at all levels. Dr. Wedzerai Nhemachena told the human rights activists of the Catholic Church to promote stakeholder participation in CCJPZ programs.

“Involvement of the youth, women and people with disabilities is critical in CCJPZ work, in defending human rights and in promoting justice and peace. Peace promotion is everyone’s responsibility and all stakeholders must be involved,” said Dr. Nhemachena.

Dr. Nhemachena said that social, economic and political inclusion was key in ensuring peace, justice and social cohesion in every community. He then called on CCJPZ Coordinators to make the Commission more vibrant in every corner of the country through civic education and peace promotion activities.

The Coordinators who attended the workshop include Dr. Leocardia Shayamunda of the Archdiocese of Harare, Mr. Simon Parwaringira Masvingo, Fr. Stanslaus Lumano, Hwange Diosece, Fr. Christopher Wusiku, Gokwe Diocese, Mr. Elliot Vengesa, Fr. Samuel Nyadzayo, Rev. Eugene Mpofu, Archdiocese of Bulawayo and Fr. Andrew Dzingayi of Gweru.