beyond its borders. Zimbabwe also has to contribute to the common good of
all humanity. Already, many Zimbabweans in 'the diaspora' make important
contributions to health and education and business in other countries. Many
young people participate in international youth events.
As Zimbabweans, we need to contribute as equal and respected members to
solutions to problems such as migration, environmental degradation and
terrorism that are addressed in groupings like SADC, the African Union, the
Commonwealth and the United Nations.
[10] This vision of The Zimbabwe We Want draws heavily on the resources of
Catholic Social Teaching, a treasure that, like the Gospel which inspires it, the
Church holds in trust for humanity. We, your Bishops, call on Catholics to
read and reflect on The Zimbabwe We Want and on our letters The Cry of the
Poor (June 2005) and Let Us Work for the Common Good (January 2011).
We call especially on Catholic universities and tertiary institutions to
stimulate and sustain a debate about these matters that will guide those we
will elect on 30 July 2018 to shape the policies for a Zimbabwe that we all
want. Remember the words of Jesus, which he repeats to us in these days:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all
your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. The second is like it:
you shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Mt. 22:37-39). Let us use this
election to fulfil this commandment in all its demands, especially justice and
charity.
[11] All of this will come to nothing without prayer. We are at a new 'Kairos
moment' in the history of Zimbabwe, a moment of grace. We, your
Shepherds, ask that parishes, schools, religious communities, universities
and colleges make use of the prayer attached below individually and
collectively. We call on all priests, religious and faithful; and on all women
and men of good will to demonstrate our joint trust and confidence in God and
witness to our faith in his Son Jesus Christ our Lord by praying together with
us and spreading the message of this pastoral letter.
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