Melo News | Thursday, May 30, 2024 | Chipata
Chipata Diocese Bishop George Lungu says the Church has noticed the growing trend of political intolerance as evidenced by political threats issued by leaders on both sides of the political divide in Zambia, the ruling party (UPND) and the Opposition.
Melo Media reports that speaking in a pastoral statement released yesterday, Bishop Lungu said the nation has witnessed several unacceptable utterances of hate speech and tribal remarks.
“Among many things,I have noticed the growing trend of political intolerance as evidenced by political threats issued by leaders on both sides of the political divide in Zambia, the ruling party (UPND) and the Opposition.
“As if that was not enough, there was a “disappearance”and a “reappearance” of the Independent Member of Parliament for Petauke Central, Honourable Emmanuel Jay Banda and subsequent arrests of Independent Member of Parliament for Lumezi Honorable Munir Zulu, PF Member of Parliament for Mfuwe Constituency, Honorable Maureen Mabonga, Ms. Edith Nawakwi, and Mr. Brebner Changala,”he said.
The Chipata Diocese Bishop said such acts and incidences if left unchecked have a potential to heighten the levels of tension and division in the country.
“As it has been repeatedly said the Church has a God-given mandate to be the voice of conscience to the nation and speak on behalf of the poor and less privileged in society.
“Not only that, the Church is also morally obliged to exercise its prophetic role by calling fora spiritoflove.unity, justice, peace and reconciliation in our beloved country,”he said.
The Bishop went on to quote scripture from the Book of Luke 4:18 which reads:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight of the light set at liberty those who are oppressed”.
“Therefore, as your Pastor and conscious of this prophetic ministry that I have.I write in a spirit of reading-and interpreting the signs of our time.I also wish to share with you my concerns on the situation in the nation especially what has been happening in the recent days.
“Certainly, this is not what the people of Zambia expect in the run-up to the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of our Country’s Independence later in the year. It is in view of the above that I wish to register my utter displeasure of and strongly condemn these trends,”he said.
Bishop Lungu has since called upon Government to provide the needed leadership, and not only to verbally condemn but bring to book all type of politics.
He also urged the Zambia Police Service to be objective, fair, balanced and professional in the application of the law, especially in view of public order.
“The incident in the Office of our Brother Bishop,Rt.Rev.Clement Mulenga,Bishop of Kabwe had none of the above traits. Police officers are supposed to and must be exemplary in following the Rule of Law since they are in-charge of keeping law and order,”he said.
The Chipata Diocese Bishop further strongly appealed to the Police Service personnel to always endeavour to act in a manner that ensures and is seen to guarantee that citizens’ rights are respected,protected and not violated.
“Above all,I appeal to our political leaders both in Government and in the Opposition to be open to constructive and fair criticism and focus their energy in addressing the critical concerns raised by citizens especially that of the rising cost of living as well as the food and energy crisis arising from the impact of climate change,”he said.
The Chipata Diocese Bishop said he is also deeply concerned about Chipata-Chama, Katete- Chanida Border and Chipata-Chadiza roads that have repeatedly been mentioned in speeches at public gatherings.
“To date,no sign of any machinery on. site to begin works on these roads,”he said.
Bishop Lungu implored the clergy,religious men and women and all the Catholic Faithful in the diocese to embrace a calm spirit and be active promoters of national unity.
“Having just celebrated the Solemnity of Pentecost, I pray that the spirit of truth, justice, love, unity, forgiveness and gentleness will continue to guide our work and interactions with others, regardless of one’s tribe, language, gender, creed or political affiliation do not be tempted to resort to the language of anger,a spirit of vengeance,tribalism and division as sometimes employed by those who are motivated by a political agenda.Our motivation is anchored on gospel values and not political agendas,”he said.
Bishop Lungu has asked the Catholic faithfuls to religiously protect the Church’s dignity as Catholics and the nobility of Religious and Priestly Vocation.
“Our dignity in Christ is not best demonstrated in hitting back,but in love,forgiveness and reconciliation.
“However,this does not mean that the Church will abandon its prophetic call but rather the Church will always remain committed to courageously speak the truth and advocate for social justice,but always in a non-partisan,truthful and fair manner,”he said.
