ZAMBIA: ZEC Press Statement on the recent attacks on the Catholic Church
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| Zambia Catholic Secretariat |
The Catholic Church in
Zambia has remained steadfast in its position of fighting for the poor and the
marginalized because this is the core of its prophetic role.
Zambia has remained steadfast in its position of fighting for the poor and the
marginalized because this is the core of its prophetic role.
The Church’s position
is adequately demonstrated by the widely disseminated and publicized Pastoral
Letters and Pastoral Statements that the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC)
issues from time to time. When the Catholic Bishops speak out individually or
collectively, for example, through these Letters and Statements, they are
guided in doing so because of conviction based on Holy Scripture, the example
of Jesus Christ and Catholic Social Teaching. One such Church document
“Ecclesia in Africa” urges the leadership of the Catholic Church in Africa to
continue being the “voice of the voiceless.”
is adequately demonstrated by the widely disseminated and publicized Pastoral
Letters and Pastoral Statements that the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC)
issues from time to time. When the Catholic Bishops speak out individually or
collectively, for example, through these Letters and Statements, they are
guided in doing so because of conviction based on Holy Scripture, the example
of Jesus Christ and Catholic Social Teaching. One such Church document
“Ecclesia in Africa” urges the leadership of the Catholic Church in Africa to
continue being the “voice of the voiceless.”
It is therefore not
possible for the Bishops to abandon such a cardinal pastoral responsibility. As
recent, as 29 January 2013, the Zambian Catholic Bishops collectively released
a Pastoral Letter “That they may have abundant life” in which they were quite
forthright about matters of Governance in Zambia under the current (Patriotic
Front) Government. Furthermore, in their weekly homilies, during Sunday Mass in
their respective Dioceses, the Bishops are always exhorting, encouraging and
sometimes even condemning any injustices that come to their attention and
urging all Zambians to live as Brothers and Sisters.
possible for the Bishops to abandon such a cardinal pastoral responsibility. As
recent, as 29 January 2013, the Zambian Catholic Bishops collectively released
a Pastoral Letter “That they may have abundant life” in which they were quite
forthright about matters of Governance in Zambia under the current (Patriotic
Front) Government. Furthermore, in their weekly homilies, during Sunday Mass in
their respective Dioceses, the Bishops are always exhorting, encouraging and
sometimes even condemning any injustices that come to their attention and
urging all Zambians to live as Brothers and Sisters.
It is important,
however, to note that in issuing Pastoral Letters and Pastoral Statements the
ZEC ensures that it conducts detailed review and analysis of the prevailing
situation or burning issues in order to prepare a Statement that is
well-informed and meaningful. It would not help anyone for the Catholic Church
to issue Statements that are superficial.
however, to note that in issuing Pastoral Letters and Pastoral Statements the
ZEC ensures that it conducts detailed review and analysis of the prevailing
situation or burning issues in order to prepare a Statement that is
well-informed and meaningful. It would not help anyone for the Catholic Church
to issue Statements that are superficial.
Moreover, in issuing
Pastoral Letters and Statements, the ZEC has over the years also appreciated
the fact that there is strength in unity and so from time to time the Bishops
collectively meet to discuss the state of the nation. When there is need, they
Bishops engage leaders of other Church mother bodies.
Pastoral Letters and Statements, the ZEC has over the years also appreciated
the fact that there is strength in unity and so from time to time the Bishops
collectively meet to discuss the state of the nation. When there is need, they
Bishops engage leaders of other Church mother bodies.
The ZEC has noted with
concern that in recent weeks, there have been accusations and attacks alleging
that the Catholic Church in Zambia has abandoned its role of speaking for the
voiceless, the poor and marginalized on the wrong public perception that the
Church is loyal to or favors the Patriotic Front and its leadership.
concern that in recent weeks, there have been accusations and attacks alleging
that the Catholic Church in Zambia has abandoned its role of speaking for the
voiceless, the poor and marginalized on the wrong public perception that the
Church is loyal to or favors the Patriotic Front and its leadership.
The Catholic Church in
Zambia, as elsewhere in the world, is made up of members that belong to diverse
political party affiliations. Therefore, ZEC, in its official capacity, does
not and cannot champion any single political candidate even if that candidate
were a faithful son of the Church.
Zambia, as elsewhere in the world, is made up of members that belong to diverse
political party affiliations. Therefore, ZEC, in its official capacity, does
not and cannot champion any single political candidate even if that candidate
were a faithful son of the Church.
In this regard, any
hint of partisan politics by a priest or a Bishop through the media or from the
pulpit is wrong. It is wrong because the God whom we preach about and serve
welcomes everyone in spite of political affiliations.
hint of partisan politics by a priest or a Bishop through the media or from the
pulpit is wrong. It is wrong because the God whom we preach about and serve
welcomes everyone in spite of political affiliations.
There is ample evidence
to attest that the leadership of the Catholic Church in Zambia has always taken
seriously its prophetic role and has categorically spoken out against any
unfair actions and unacceptable policies of government.
to attest that the leadership of the Catholic Church in Zambia has always taken
seriously its prophetic role and has categorically spoken out against any
unfair actions and unacceptable policies of government.
The commitment of the
Church leadership to issues of justice and peace remains unchanged from the
time Catholic Bishops of this country started speaking out collectively and
publicly in 1953. Since then, the country has had different political parties
in government–beginning with the colonial government, the Church’s stance
whether against or in favor of government policies has been unequivocal, always
pro-poor; always for the marginalized and the vulnerable.
Church leadership to issues of justice and peace remains unchanged from the
time Catholic Bishops of this country started speaking out collectively and
publicly in 1953. Since then, the country has had different political parties
in government–beginning with the colonial government, the Church’s stance
whether against or in favor of government policies has been unequivocal, always
pro-poor; always for the marginalized and the vulnerable.
The commitment of the
Catholic Church to the Zambian people cannot now change and will not change
because solidarity with the powerless and voiceless is what it means to be
Christian. In view of the foregoing, the ZEC would like to reassure all
Zambians that it will continue to side with the poor and the voiceless in order
to fight for improved or better living conditions. The Catholic Church in
Zambia remains determined to see that Zambia continues to be an oasis of peace
and violence is not tolerated, and where tenets of sound democratic governance
and human rights are religiously upheld.
Catholic Church to the Zambian people cannot now change and will not change
because solidarity with the powerless and voiceless is what it means to be
Christian. In view of the foregoing, the ZEC would like to reassure all
Zambians that it will continue to side with the poor and the voiceless in order
to fight for improved or better living conditions. The Catholic Church in
Zambia remains determined to see that Zambia continues to be an oasis of peace
and violence is not tolerated, and where tenets of sound democratic governance
and human rights are religiously upheld.
The ZEC will remain
vigilant and speak out against any injustices perpetrated by any quarter of the
society.
vigilant and speak out against any injustices perpetrated by any quarter of the
society.
Fr. Paul Samasumo-ZEC Spokesperson
