Zambia’s church leaders condemned attacks on faith leaders criticizing government actions on resource distribution and infrastructure. Their March 19 statement criticized derogatory remarks and underlined their roles as societal moral voices, advocating for dialogue and respect. The leaders also addressed concerns regarding constitutional amendments and rising living costs, reaffirming their independence in speaking out against government pressures.
Zambia’s church leaders have condemned disparaging remarks directed at faith leaders who have criticized the government for issues such as unfair resource distribution and poor infrastructure. A statement issued on March 19 by representatives from the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) underscored their commitment to being the voice for the underprivileged and called for respect towards church leaders.
The statement was co-signed by Rev. Emmanuel Chikoya (CCZ), Bishop Andrew Mwenda (EFZ), and Father Francis Mukosa (ZCCB), who lamented that church leaders face derogatory remarks without consequences. They emphasized the necessity of maintaining dignity among all societal roles and pointed to the increasing friction between political entities and religious organizations when the church acts as a critical voice.
Auxiliary Bishop Gabriel Msipu Phiri, a key figure in these tensions, has been outspoken about governance deficiencies, notably criticizing President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration for its failure to fulfill promises regarding road rehabilitation in Eastern Province. He highlighted the critical condition of roads affecting towns like Vubwi, Chadiza, and Lundazi, which forces residents to travel via Malawi, leading to additional costs.
Bishop Phiri also raised concerns surrounding delayed fertilizer deliveries, pivotal for farmers’ livelihoods in the region. In an aggressive response, chief government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa threatened Phiri, stating the government would isolate him for his criticisms.
Father Augustine Mwewa, president of the Association of Zambian Diocesan Catholic Clergy, supported Phiri, emphasizing that his sermons reflect not just personal views but uphold the broader messages of the Catholic Church and the Pope. Mwewa warned against retaliatory tactics from the government aimed at silencing the bishop for his forthrightness.
The church leaders reaffirmed in their statement the necessity of voicing the nation’s moral conscience without succumbing to pressure, basing their advocacy on scriptural guidance. They have consistently engaged on public and national matters thoughtfully, ensuring that their messages are well-informed.
In addition to their criticisms, church leaders raised concerns over hasty constitutional amendments and rising living costs, questioning the government’s lack of public consultation in drafting amendments. They called attention to a growing culture of miscommunication, cadre militancy, and neglect of calls for national dialogue and unity.
Maintaining their autonomy, church leaders underscored their right to communicate according to their own appropriate timing without coercion from any political faction. They urged the government to develop sustainable energy sources and effective poverty alleviation strategies to address the root causes of poverty in Zambia.
The church leaders in Zambia are standing firm against derogatory attacks aimed at faith leaders criticizing the government. Their statements highlight the church’s essential role in advocacy and moral guidance while opposing coercion from political entities. By addressing various socio-political issues, including governance and poverty, they reaffirm their commitment to providing a voice for the marginalized and stimulating national dialogue for reform and unity.
Original Source: www.catholicworldreport.com
