The Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gledhill, came out in support of the day, saying: “I invite all the churches in Lichfield Diocese to pray about the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe. We feel so helpless in the face of the mounting violence and the terrible hardships. But 'more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of’."
The day was also supported by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, who issued a joint statement last week saying: “Churches across England have been praying for Zimbabwe before, during and after the polls. Agencies and dioceses from the UK have worked ably to support partners and parishes.
"Ecumenically, and as part of a broad based coalition, we must work to build a civil society movement that both creates political will and gives voice to those who demand an end to the mayhem that grows out of injustice, poverty, exclusion and violence."
Churches in Zimbabwe are opening their doors to give refuge to people fleeing violence following the elections which were held almost a month ago.
The Zimbabwe Christian Alliance (ZCA) has held emergency meetings to coordinate its response to the growing number of people arriving in major cities to escape the violence in the rural areas inflicted on those who voted for the opposition.
Member churches of the ZCA, a Christian Aid partner, have already received people in Harare and Bulawayo; churches in other major cities have also opened their doors.
"We need to provide these people with shelter, food and blankets," said Rev Jonah Gokova of the ZCA.
"From a faith perspective these actions are really demonic. They are undermining the dignity of people created in the image of God."
Rev Gokova says pastors are also being targeted. Two pastors arrived in Harare after being warned by their parishioners to flee.
