CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNS) — Catholic officials in Zimbabwe said they are working to involve ordinary Zimbabweans in a constitutional consultation, although many people fear retribution. “People are apprehensive about taking part in discussions about the constitution but, while there is fear, this process has to happen,” said Father Frederick Chiromba, secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

Through its parishes and other structures, the church “is well-positioned to reach people and bring them into the process” of drafting the constitution, Father Chiromba said in a July 13 telephone interview from Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare.

Under the deal that brought President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change into a coalition government in February, Zimbabwe is to draft a constitution that will go before voters for approval in a referendum in 2010, clearing the way for new government elections.

Noting that “we are doing our best to get the widest possible contribution,” Father Edward Ndete, parliamentary liaison officer for the bishops’ conference, said “the political environment is uneven” in rural Zimbabwe, with residents fearful of violent retaliation if they are seen to be critical of Mugabe.