UPND MEMBERS WHO ARE CATHOLICS URGED TO AFFIRM PEACE AND THEIR POLITICAL IDENTITY
The United Party for National Development (UPND) has called on its members who are Catholics and will attend prayer gatherings ahead of the August 13 General Elections to participate peacefully and use the occasion to affirm their commitment to peace, unity and Zambia’s democratic values.
UPND members who are Catholic and choose to attend the prayer gathering are encouraged to carry placards bearing the UPND symbol as an expression of their political identity and peaceful democratic participation, while remaining respectful of the religious nature of the occasion, other worshippers and applicable laws.
For many years, the Catholic Church has been an important pillar of hope, reconciliation, peace and national unity in Zambia. It is therefore concerning when individual clergy appear to take positions that risk creating political divisions among citizens and, more importantly, among the faithful they are entrusted to shepherd.
The Church has a responsibility to unite the flock, not divide it.
We wish to make it clear that Catholics hold diverse political views, and no individual priest should present a personal political position as though it represents the views of the entire Catholic community.
The UPND respects the Catholic Church and its contribution to Zambia’s social and moral development. We equally respect the right of every citizen, including members of the clergy, to hold personal political opinions. However, personal political preferences should not be confused with the pastoral responsibility of the Church.
As the Church has organised prayers ahead of the election, we encourage all who attend to use the occasion to affirm peace, unity, reconciliation and respect for one another.
We therefore call upon UPND members who are Catholics to participate peacefully and responsibly in the prayers. Those who choose to carry UPND placards should do so as an affirmation of their political identity and commitment to peaceful democratic participation, while respecting the guidance of the Church and all applicable electoral laws and regulations.
Political differences should never be allowed to undermine Zambia’s longstanding culture of peaceful coexistence.
President Hakainde Hichilema has consistently called for peaceful elections and respect for democratic institutions. The UPND will continue to campaign peacefully and present its record and vision to the Zambian people while respecting the right of every citizen to make an independent political choice.
Zambia belongs to all of us. Let us preserve our peace, respect our differences and put the nation first.
The Catholic Church has historically been a voice for peace and reconciliation. We urge it to remain a pillar of unity at this critical moment in our nation’s history.
MARK SIMUUWE
UPND MEDIA DIRECTOR