ZAMBIA: Archbishop-elect of Zambia’s Ndola Archdiocese Warns Police, Politicians to Respect the Church
Archbishop-elect Benjamin Phiri of Ndola
By Radio Icengelo
Ndola Archbishop Dr. Benjamin Phiri has condemned the storming of Ndola’s Holy Trinity Church in Masala and Divine Mercy Parish in Hillcrest by Police last Sunday who were searching for members of the opposition parties reported to be congregating at the two Parishes.
Archbishop Phiri said Police and politicians must stay away from Churches and called upon the government to explain what occurred at Masala and Divine Mercy Parishes rather than relying on the statement from Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga.
He said the action by the police at the two Churches was an illegal action on the property of the Church.
“I am not happy about the whole situation, and I don’t want the whole situation to repeat itself,” Archbishop-elect for the newly created Archdiocese of Ndola said adding that he would engage the Government and the Head of State about what happened because it is a serious matter.
“If the authorities like to come on my premises and don’t even engage me, that shows the amount of disregard they have for me,” he said.
Archbishop-elect directed the Priests not to allow any politician to visit and pray for political motives pointing out that politicians from both sides of the divide should stop abusing the church.
“No politician, whether opposition or not, whether head of state or former head of state, whether minister or former minister, should come and disturb us in our places of worship,” he said.
The Archbishop made the statement after celebrating Mass following the elevation of Ndola to the status of an Archdiocese.
