ZAMBIA: Laity Council Condemns Catholic Parliamentarians Who Toe Party Line Without Listening to Conscience
Mwenya Mukuka
The Zambia National Council for the Catholic Laity (ZNCCL) has pledged its continued support and solidarity to the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) as some parliamentarians accuse them for the contents of their recent statement on matters affecting the nation.
Zambia National Council for the Catholic Laity (ZNCCL) is an umbrella organization for all the national lay apostolic movements and organizations, and Diocesan laity councils in Zambia. These National organizations or movements are operational in at least 50% of the existing Dioceses in Zambia.
In a statement, the ZNCCL National Chairman Clement Chinama said their organization as a national coordinating body for all movements in the country strongly supports the Bishops’ position on various National issues and particularly the recent press statement the Conference issued on 9th June 2020 which contained a number of issues affecting the general citizenry and among them Peace building and reconciliation efforts, Human rights abuse, Erosion of traditional, religious and moral values of our society, Political intolerance among political players both intra and inter party, Increase in abuse of Government resources and property by senior Government officials, Shrinking of political space, including freedom of assembly among others.
“It is of great concern and worrisome to ZNCCL to hear the Chairperson of the so-called Catholic Parliamentarians accusing the ZCCB of not reading the Bill which is contrary to the contents of the statement. From the statement, issued by ZCCB President, Rt. Rev. Bishop George Lungu it clearly indicates that it is possibly the so-called Catholic Parliamentarians who do not read, but make reactions based on their Political party lines,” he said.
Mr. Chinama has since demanded for an apology from the Catholic Parliamentarians.
“If you are really Catholics, with a conscience which is alive, you need to apologize and seek reconciliation with the Church and God. Your action was aimed at nothing, but on intent of putting the Conference in ridicule and tarnish it’s admirable image both at regional and international levels respectively,” he said.
He added that ZNCCL remains committed to active participation in the life and mission of the Church.
“In order to remain relevant in Church and society, the laity shall continue sharing in Christ’s kingly office through their secular activities as they promote justice, love and peace. It is by doing our daily work well and remaining vigilant, wherever we may be, that would help to promote the Creator’s plan and bring the light of Christ to the world,” he concluded.
Recently the Association of Catholic Parliamentarians held a media briefing in Lusaka at which it differed with the Catholic Bishops of Zambia on their call for withdrawal of Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 10 from the floor of the Parliament.
Bill 10 of 2019 seeks to review the constitution.
The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops called for withdrawal of Bill 10 from parliament, saying it contains retrogressive and divisive clauses inimical to the well-being of the country.
Meanwhile, responding to the Association of Catholic Parliamentarians, the Archbishop of Kasama Archdiocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Chama reminded them of Jesus words that “The truth will set you free”.
Most Rev. Chama said that in society, when a parent counsels a child and the child disputes, the parent cannot proceed because then it becomes argumentative.
“There is no need to argue on important matters bordering on the welfare of the nation that should only be left to the conscience of the individual,” he said.
Archbishop Ignatius Chama also said it worries him that some Zambians have started living as though the Zambian society is not ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Experts have time and again warned, and are still warning, that to protect oneself from contracting the coronavirus, one has to wear a mask, practice social distancing, frequently wash hands with soap and sanitize one’s hands,” said.
The Archbishop of Kasama regrets that health guidelines are not being practiced especially at political rallies, wondering why law enforcement agencies are not arresting those who are organizing political rallies in breach of the Coronavirus health guidelines.
Archbishop Chama said this on Wednesday, June 24, on his weekly radio program Ishiwi lyakwa Kacema on Kasama Archdiocesan radio station; Radio Lutanda.
