Archbishop Pius Ncube resigns but says he will not be silenced

By Tererai Karimakwenda
11 September, 2007

The outspoken Catholic Archbishop of Bulawayo Pius Ncube, has resigned following allegations of adultery brought against him in July. The 60 year old Archbishop announced his resignation at a press conference in Bulawayo Tuesday afternoon, but he stressed that he would not be silenced by what he called “the crude machinations of a wicked regime." He explained that he had resigned in order to spare his fellow bishops and the body of the church any further attacks. But the defiant clergyman said he would continue to work with the ordinary people. The adultery case is now in the courts and a separate investigation is being conducted by the Catholic Church.

The Vatican released a brief statement saying Pope Benedict XVI had accepted his resignation in accordance with church laws. Ncube released a separate statement at the Vatican in which he talked of a "state-driven, vicious attack" against him and against the Catholic Church in the country. And indeed several church led initiatives have been banned by government over the last few years using the draconian Public order and Security Act.

Archbishop Ncube has never been afraid to speak his mind regarding important issues in Zimbabwe, and he had become even more outspoken in the last few months. On one occasion he said he was ready to be shot while leading street protests and urged others to take similar action. On another he called for foreign intervention to remove Robert Mugabe if it became necessary.

Critics of the government have said the case being brought against the Archbishop was an attempt to silence him. Mugabe himself threatened church leaders in the country as Bishops became more vocal against his regime. He said they were on a dangerous path if their agenda became political and they would be treated harshly.

Catholic Bishops in the country have supported Archbishop Ncube and they formed a support group soon after the state media ambushed him with pictures of the alleged affair. Soon after his resignation, Bulawayo based Pastor Albert Chatindo told Newsreel they have been having weekly prayer sessions in support of Archbishop Ncube. He said the spirit that he stood for and his work with the poor will not stop just because he has resigned.

Chatindo said the Archbishop stood for truth and truth will prevail under the current government or any other that will follow. He hoped that many others would speak out like Archbishop Ncube.