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Father Wermter asked: "Are [liberation war fighters] the only heroes we respect? That would be unfortunate. We need to remember also heroes of a very different kind: people who stayed on in the war zones unarmed and defenceless because, as doctors and nurses, they would not leave their patients uncared for, or, as pastors, would not leave their flocks untended.

"Is it not time that we started honoring the heroes of non-violence so as to un-learn violence?"

Warning that violence could escalate, Wermter said: "There are people in all parties who are fully aware of the danger of civil war in Zimbabwe and are frightened by the prospect.

"Are they also aware of the terrible responsibility that rests on their shoulders to warn their leaders and party colleagues against this mortal danger? Will they allow their conscience to speak and be able to act according to its verdict?

Wermter said "blindness" by a few could lead to catastrophic consequences. A far-sighted and courageous person could make all the difference, he said. "We need an uprising of the conscience. We need a revolution, not of the gun, but of throwing the guns away. We need heroes that listen to and act on the voice of their conscience, that risk their lives, not to kill, but to save."

Copyright © 2001 ENI.

Christianity Today's earlier coverage of Zimbabwe includes:

War Veterans Occupy Church on Zimbabwean White-Owned Farm | "We just want to pray and leave politics alone," says evicted pastor. (Apr. 2, 2001)

Priest Horrified as Zimbabwe Politician Compared With 'Son of Man' | Incident is not the first such comparison in Zimbabwe politics. (Apr. 2, 2001)

Evangelicals Attempt to Defuse Crises | While decrying land redistribution program, president of Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe stepping down after financial dispute. (Mar. 22, 2001)

Catholic Clergy Concerned About Workers on Zimbabwe's White Farms | "This is no longer a free country," says Conference of Religious Superiors. (Mar. 22, 2001)

Clergyman Forced to Leave Zimbabwe After Criticizing Mugabe Government | Authorities revoke work permit of Presbyterian missionary who accused the government being involved in killings. (Mar. 19, 2001)

Zimbabwe Church Officials Tell Mugabe to Respect Judiciary and Rule of Law | Catholics, Baptists, and others criticize presidential pressure on Supreme Court. (Mar. 19, 2001)

Churches Call for Inquiry Into Zimbabwe's Pre-Election Violence | "In the meantime, accept the election results" says Zimbabwe Council of Churches (July 14, 2000)

Zimbabwe President's Party Refuses to Join Church-Sponsored Talks to End Violence | At least 10 dead in country's escalating political violence (May 2, 2000)

Evangelicals Abstain from Zimbabwe's Interfaith Body | Christian group opposes blending of Christianity and traditional African religion. (Apr. 18, 2000)

Church Council Urges Swift Resolution of Zimbabwe's Row over White Farms | Land redistribution must be done "in a systematic, just and transparent manner" (Mar. 23, 2000)

Zimbabwe's Black Anglican Priests Claim Exclusion at White Ceremonies | Four priests resign, alleging widespread racism (Nov. 24, 1999)

Gun-Toting Missionaries Given Light Sentences (Nov. 15, 1999)

Missionaries or Mercenaries? (May 24, 1999)

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April (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45