Zimbabwean archbishop says he's not interested in running for office

Published: 2007-09-26

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) -- Although he said he is as committed as ever to defending the poor and working for justice in Zimbabwe, retired Archbishop Pius Ncube of Bulawayo said he does not have "the slightest interest in entering into politics." "I am a clergyman, and my passion is to work for the church. As such, I shall continue to stand up in defense of human rights, which are part of the Gospel of Christ," the archbishop said in a Sept. 25 statement after a week of widespread rumors that he was considering running against President Robert Mugabe in next year's presidential elections. Considered the most outspoken critic of Mugabe's leadership, Archbishop Ncube resigned as head of the Bulawayo Archdiocese in early September after being accused of adultery in a case with political overtones. "Come rain or high water, in a situation where there is gross oppression, as in Zimbabwe, I shall continue to speak out," the archbishop said in his statement. "This is part of the prophetic role of the church, to stand up and strongly defend the human rights of the poor and oppressed people."

Copyright (c) 2007 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .