58 without justice.”7 We therefore sincerely appeal to our government and our former colonial masters and others who have participated injustices to seriously consider the issue of reparations as a means to build a just society in Zimbabwe in the process towards genuine reconciliation. 7.5 WAYS THE RECONCILIATION CHURCH CAN ENGAGE IN NATIONAL Since reconciliation is at the core of the Gospel that we proclaim, we are obliged by virtue of our calling as Christians to participate actively in bringing about national reconciliation in Zimbabwe. In this regard we commit ourselves in the process towards reconciling the diverse groups in this country. The Church has been spectating for a long time fearing to get dirty if it engages in ‘politics’. It is acknowledged that the process will be painful, because it is a moment of truth, when the community of Zimbabwe is being offered the opportunity to open themselves and pour out. There will be moments of anxiety, denial, and even surprises, and yet that is what it should be. Ultimately, what is important are the benefits to be derived from this. The nation is invited to enter into dialogue with humility, honesty and sincerity, but without arrogance and pomp. Some of the ways the Church wishes to promote national reconciliation include the following: 7.5.1 Church to Church Activity We want to begin by building bridges between ourselves. We too are suffering from the effects of the conflicts and the partisan and ethnic approaches to the critical issues that divide our nation as articulated in this document. This strategy will involve inter-church programs and exchange visits which would bring people together through already existing facilities or structures such as ministers fraternal meetings. Through such structures, teaching and discussions, we will seek to reconcile people at grass roots levels as we create space for people to share their experiences in a spontaneous and friendly setting. When we are reconciled we can indeed become the salt of the earth in the communities in which we live and others can say “See how they love one another” and begin to emulate our example. 7.5.2 Use of Formal Ecumenical Organisations EFZ, ZCBC and ZCC organs and others will work together or individually on programmes and resources that promote peace. People will even be encouraged to compose songs that share the message of reconciliation and peace. Ecumenical public events will continue to be utilized for peace-building. These will include Cited by John W. de Gruchy, “the Dialectic of Reconciliation: Church and Transition to Democracy in South Africa,” in The Reconciliation of Peoples: Challenge to the Churches (WCC Publications, 1997) p. 17. 7