ZAMBIA: Churches issue a Statement against the President’s threats to the Catholic Bishop, George Lungu
|
| President Michael Sata |
The Council
of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has issued a Press statement in order to respond to
threats by the President Michael Sata against the Catholic Bishop George Lungu, Bishop of Chipata.
In their
statement published in the ZEC Website on 11 April 2014and signed by the
President -Council of Churches in Zambia, Rev Dr Alfred Kalembo said CCZ noted
with dismay the hostility exhibited by the Republican President Michael Sata
who issued threats against the Rev Bishop George Lungu, Catholic Bishop, for
allowing prayers for the release of the constitution to be conducted in his
diocese.
statement published in the ZEC Website on 11 April 2014and signed by the
President -Council of Churches in Zambia, Rev Dr Alfred Kalembo said CCZ noted
with dismay the hostility exhibited by the Republican President Michael Sata
who issued threats against the Rev Bishop George Lungu, Catholic Bishop, for
allowing prayers for the release of the constitution to be conducted in his
diocese.
These
attacks are unwarranted, misdirected, uncalled for and an act of intimidation.
CCZ would like to support the stand taken by Bishop Lungu to allow for prayers
on the release of the constitution to be conducted at one of his parishes as
this is the path that the church has taken, to take the constitutional issues
to the pulpit.
attacks are unwarranted, misdirected, uncalled for and an act of intimidation.
CCZ would like to support the stand taken by Bishop Lungu to allow for prayers
on the release of the constitution to be conducted at one of his parishes as
this is the path that the church has taken, to take the constitutional issues
to the pulpit.
“Let it be
known that this campaign for a people driven constitution will continue until
the Zambian people give unto themselves a new constitution that will improve
the way our country is governed by those we elect into political office,” read
the statement adding that “The church cannot stand by and let the poor people
of Zambia continue to wallow in abject poverty in the midst of all the God give
resources we have in the nation which are befitting only a few because of lack
of proper governance structures.”
known that this campaign for a people driven constitution will continue until
the Zambian people give unto themselves a new constitution that will improve
the way our country is governed by those we elect into political office,” read
the statement adding that “The church cannot stand by and let the poor people
of Zambia continue to wallow in abject poverty in the midst of all the God give
resources we have in the nation which are befitting only a few because of lack
of proper governance structures.”
 |
| Bishop George Lungu |
CCZ would
like to make a gentle reminder to the President that an attack on one faithful
servant of God is an attack on the entire body of Christ.
“A new
constitution is a must and the church will not rest until those whom we have
put in office hear the voices of the people in Zambia. This, we believe, is not
too much to ask of our own government,” read the statement adding that “The
church leaders who are advocating for the release of a new constitution has no
political ambitions, but is instead drawing their authority from their God
given mandate to speak for the silent majority.”
constitution is a must and the church will not rest until those whom we have
put in office hear the voices of the people in Zambia. This, we believe, is not
too much to ask of our own government,” read the statement adding that “The
church leaders who are advocating for the release of a new constitution has no
political ambitions, but is instead drawing their authority from their God
given mandate to speak for the silent majority.”
CCZ is
therefore calling upon President Michael Sata to do the right thing and that is
to give Zambians their constitution sooner than later.
therefore calling upon President Michael Sata to do the right thing and that is
to give Zambians their constitution sooner than later.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops in Zambia
have commended the Catholic Secretariat management team for their collective
hard work and leadership that enabled finalization of extensions project of the
Kapingila House.
have commended the Catholic Secretariat management team for their collective
hard work and leadership that enabled finalization of extensions project of the
Kapingila House.
Kapingila is
the defacto home of the Zambian Catholic Bishops in Lusaka. Its close proximity
to the Catholic Secretariat is ideal for the work of the Bishops. With the
growth in the number of Bishops and the Conference growing, the need to extend
the guest house has become greater. Similarly, over the years due to its prime
location and beautiful environment, Kapingila has since opened its hospitality
to the public regardless of their faith affiliation.
the defacto home of the Zambian Catholic Bishops in Lusaka. Its close proximity
to the Catholic Secretariat is ideal for the work of the Bishops. With the
growth in the number of Bishops and the Conference growing, the need to extend
the guest house has become greater. Similarly, over the years due to its prime
location and beautiful environment, Kapingila has since opened its hospitality
to the public regardless of their faith affiliation.
Speaking at
the official handover of the extended Kapingila ZEC house located in the suburbs
of Kabulonga low density area of Lusaka, Bishop Clement Mulenga, SDB,
appreciated the support given by the clients and other collaborators.
the official handover of the extended Kapingila ZEC house located in the suburbs
of Kabulonga low density area of Lusaka, Bishop Clement Mulenga, SDB,
appreciated the support given by the clients and other collaborators.
“Our clients
and collaborators please always feel at home and do not hesitate to come and
enjoy the unique hospitality on offer at Kapingila. We always value your
support and please be our good ambassadors,” he said.
and collaborators please always feel at home and do not hesitate to come and
enjoy the unique hospitality on offer at Kapingila. We always value your
support and please be our good ambassadors,” he said.
His Lordship
Bishop Mulenga further reminded Kapingila management that with the new
additions and visible expansion to Kapingila ZEC house the bar of standards is
expected to be higher than before.“On behalf of the Bishops, I therefore urge
you to live up to these raised expectations” he said.
Bishop Mulenga further reminded Kapingila management that with the new
additions and visible expansion to Kapingila ZEC house the bar of standards is
expected to be higher than before.“On behalf of the Bishops, I therefore urge
you to live up to these raised expectations” he said.
Kapingila
ZEC house was officially opened on 6 February, 1996. The initial idea was to
offer accommodation and conference needs of the local clergy and Zambian
Catholic laity who would wish to stay in a Christian environment when in
Lusaka.
ZEC house was officially opened on 6 February, 1996. The initial idea was to
offer accommodation and conference needs of the local clergy and Zambian
Catholic laity who would wish to stay in a Christian environment when in
Lusaka.
Source: ZEC
