ZAMBIA: “Priests Have a Duty to Stand Up For The People”, Archbishop Phiri
Archbishop Phiri
Radio Icengelo
The Archbishop of Ndola Most Rev. Benjamin Phiri says Catholic Priests have a duty to protect and stand for the people when things are not okay in society.
Some people have criticized priests for commenting on governance. Archbishop Phiri said it is reasonable for some people in public offices to speak against Priests whenever they are rebuked over wrongdoing.
Delivering his homily during Chrism Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Ndola, Archbishop Phiri said people that insult Priests risk the wrath of God.
“In times when things are not going well, it is the duty of the priest to protect and stand for the flock. It is therefore not very reasonable for you, some of you are even Catholics, when you go into public office, and you start behaving as if you are the Creator (God) himself. When the priest reminds you that this thing is wrong, you begin to tell the priest what his duties are and what he should be speaking about. Are you the one who gave him his job? Are you the one who called him to his vocation to serve the people?” Archbishop Phiri said.
“When you joke with the priest, you think he is just a man like any other; you are wrong. He is not an ordinary man. When you are friends with him, he is still your pastor and your priest. Pay attention to what he says. When in your over-familiarity, you now begin to ridicule him and insult him. Be careful because the anger of God might descend on you because of what you are doing or saying against a Priest. Yes, a priest is a human being, but he is set apart. The role of a Priest is distinguished here below and in heaven above. In the hierarchy of the Spirit, you are not on the same level,” the Archbishop said.
The Archbishop further reiterated his stance against the practicing of partisan politics in Church.
