The Zimbabwean presidential election run-off is not credible without an immediate end to intimidation, violence and torture and deployment of reliable international election observers, the Catholic Church in the region says.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) can now no longer be relied upon as a "neutral and nonpartisan electoral umpire", according a statement from the Justice and Peace Commission of the Zimbabwean Catholic Bishops' Conference.

In the fourth week since Zimbabwe went to the polls a violent crack down is clearly underway, says Christian aid agency Tearfund, but churches are opening their doors to shelter the victims of harassment

The World Council of Churches has called for the immediate release of the full and complete results of disputed elections in Zimbabwe, as Christians around the world prepare to take part in an international day of prayer for the nation.

The Anglican Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued a joint statement in support of the strong voice of fellow Christians in Zimbabwe, as the country's post-election crisis appears to be worsening.

The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, has called for an arms embargo against Robert Mugabe's regime in Zimbabwe, amid growing evidence of a campaign of violent intimidation against political opponents.

The Anglican Church in Zimbabwe has asked Christians around the world to focus their prayers this Sunday on the country. Making the call, Rev Bob Stumbles, Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Harare, described Zimbabwe as "a nation in dire distress".

An arms embargo on Zimbabwe is being urged as church leaders in the country say that without international intervention Zimbabweans face genocide.

The Methodist and United Reformed Churches have together voiced their concern about increasing levels of violence and political intimidation, linked to the delay in announcing the result of Zimbabwe’s presidential election.

In the face of growing political instability and desperate food shortages in Zimbabwe, The Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) is supporting an appeal through ACT International (Action by Churches Together) that will distribute emergency food supplies to vulnerable households.