ZAMBIA: Word of God, a Tool for Healing Tension Among the People

Mwenya Mukuka

The Secretary General of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Fr. Cleophas Lungu says in a fragile world that is grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, war and tension, tribalism, racism, xenophobia as well as social injustices of all kind can disappear only if people open the ears and hearts to the word of God.

The ZCCB Secretary General added that the word of God has the power to heal tensions among the people and that it is a sure source of genuine reconciliation, social justice and lasting peace.

Fr. Lungu said the word of God can have positive effect in today’s world saying it has the power to revive and rejuvenate lives

He said this when he opened the ZCCB Bible Day under the theme “Let the Word of Christ Richly Dwell in You” (Col 3:16) held at Kapingila ZCCB House on 12th June 2021.

In reference to the forthcoming general elections on the 12th of August,2021, Fr Lungu said as the country prepares for elections in a Covid-19 situation, the Word of God challenges Christians and Catholics in particular, to see who they consider to be their political opponents and enemies.

He said people should put the word of God at the centre of all activities.

Father Lungu also said that the Church in Zambia is calling for a new and deeper form of catechesis, one that is biblical in content, method and its expression.

On communication, he said that the aim of the Church’s use of the means of social communication is the spreading of the Word of God.

“The mass media are not only instruments of communication but also for evangelization. The Bishops in Zambia are urging all Catholic media houses to be inspired by Christ, the Word of God, the communicator par excellence. They are also calling upon them to have dedicated radio and television programs on the Word of God.