“Branches of Peace” symposium participants including LWF’s Rev. Dr Anupama Hial (second left, in blue shirt dress) visiting one of Zimbabwe’s historical and colonial landmarks in Bulawayo. Photo: ZCC
LWF’s focus on public theology highlighted at ecumenical gathering in Zimbabwe
(LWI) - How do churches and other faith-based organizations address the legacies of pain and resistance, and link theology with the work of peacebuilding? This was part of discussions at a recent ecumenical seminar of theologians, church leaders and practitioners representing different faith-based organizations including The Lutheran World Federation (LWF).
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) and the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM) co-hosted the “Branches of Peace” workshop, 2-7 November, in the context of Zimbabwe’s historical struggles, resilience, and ongoing pursuit for unity. Visits to pre-colonial and post-colonial landmarks in the southwestern city of Bulawayo and surrounding areas gave the 20 participants a tangible sense of how the past continues to shape the present. Theological sessions offered space to process these experiences, linking justice, healing, and reconciliation.
“Reconciliation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires truth-telling, empathy, and collective commitment. It must be rooted in historical awareness and honest conversations,” reflected Rev. Dr Anupama Hial, LWF Program Executive for Global Public Theology. “Sustainable peace efforts require theological reflection, a moral and spiritual framework and collaboration across cultures and disciplines,” she noted.
Reconciliation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires truth-telling, empathy, and collective commitment. It must be rooted in historical awareness and honest conversations
Rev. Dr Anupama Hial, LWF Program Executive for Global Public Theology
Hial said the symposium was an opportunity for participants to explore possibilities for working together in peace education, dialogue at community level, through interfaith activities and public witness. “I was particularly inspired by the ZCC’s initiatives that promote healing and community restoration by modelling practical pathways for rebuilding trust and social cohesion,” she added.
Hial emphasized that LWF’s engagement in spaces such as the ‘Branches of Peace’ workshop “contributes to fulfilling the Lutheran communion’s calling to be prophetic voices for transformation within our societies.”
FELM partners with the LWF in different areas including theological, diaconal, advocacy and humanitarian work. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe is one of the ZCC member churches.
Theological sessions offered space to process these experiences, linking justice, healing and reconciliation. Photo: ZCC
