The Contribution of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCPJ) in Bringing Peace and Justice in Communities: Case Study of Mutare District, Manicaland Province Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study sought to determine the contribution of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) Mutare in promoting the culture of peace and justice. In this study, fifty people from Chikanga, Sakubva, Dangamvura, and Penhalonga and members of CCJP were selected as the research informants. Questionnaires and interviews were used as research instruments. The study findings showed the efforts of CCJP Mutare to establish awareness in communities on the issues of peace and justice to fight violence and social injustice, which have been affecting individuals, families, institutions, communities and the Manicaland province in general. The union of ideas from respondents and literature showed that the Commission was aware of both individual and collective violence and injustice. As a way of unpacking the contribution of the church in peacebuilding from 1972 to the present day, CCJP works with the leaders of Churches in Manicaland concerning peacebuilding and justice, and explore the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats to the church in building positive peace. The study also revealed the social services delivery project, the peace-building initiative, the civic education on the Constitution and the establishing justice and peace communities in respective communities as the four programmes used by CCJP. The study gave some recommendations to local government and to CCJP for more approximation in works related to peace and justice in communities. The richness of John Paul Lederach’s model of peacebuilding was formed relevant in the role of CCJP in peacebuilding and social justice and in informing suggestions for strategies for positive peace, settlement and social cooperation in Zimbabwe through the Church’s intervention. Sporting and talent events, road repairs and establishment of farmers’ organizations have significantly contributed to peacebuilding.