CHURCH CONDEMNS GROWING MOCKERY SURROUNDING PRESIDENT LUNGU’S FUNERA
Zambia’s leading Church Mother Bodies have strongly condemned the growing wave of insensitive public commentary and online mockery surrounding the ongoing funeral uncertainties of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
In a powerful joint statement, the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) expressed deep concern over the loss of reverence and dignity as the country continues to mourn its Sixth Republican President
The Church noted with dismay the rising trend on social media and other platforms where the solemnity of the late president’s passing has become a subject of jokes, ridicule, and political satire. What should have been a time of national mourning has, according to the statement, dangerously shifted into a theatre of mockery, stirring division rather than unity.
“We note with concern the emergence of insensitive commentary and mockery surrounding the ongoing developments,” the statement reads. “While the public has the right to express opinions, we caution against turning this solemn occasion into a subject of jokes or ridicule.
The Church emphasized that such behaviour does not align with Zambia’s cultural and moral values. They reminded the public that in African tradition, death is a sacred passage one that calls for respect, silence, and collective reflection. When a national figure passes away, especially a former Head of State, dignity should prevail over division, and empathy should rise above entertainment.
The leaders of the three bodies warned that the mockery not only disrespects the memory of President Lungu but also deepens the wounds of a grieving family and nation. They described such conduct as a dangerous erosion of compassion in the public sphere, potentially setting a precedent where no national figure is spared from ridicule in their final moments.
“Scripture reminds us that there is a time for everything,” the Church said, referencing Ecclesiastes. “This is a time for mourning and reflection not entertainment or point-scoring.”
The Church further urged citizens, including political leaders, content creators, and media personalities, to act with restraint and reverence. They called on the public to shift from criticism to compassion, and from mockery to mourning, recognizing that the nation’s response to death speaks volumes about its moral compass.
Additionally, the Church disclosed that it is actively involved in efforts to foster healing and dialogue between the Lungu family and the Government, urging both parties to resolve their differences with dignity. However, they cautioned that public noise and sensationalism only serve to worsen the situation.
The Church Mother Bodies has further appealed to all Zambians to pause, reflect, and honour the moment with humility and maturity. They prayed for peace, healing, and a renewed national spirit anchored in unity, love, and the timeless values that define Zambia.
June 19, 2025
©️ KUMWESU
My observation over the years is that the term “FREEDOM OF SPEECH”, which is a democratic right has been misunderstood by most of us as: Freedom to insult, hate, and ridicule others. Africa does not need this kind of behavior. It regresses us in so many ways, including the disintegration of our culture of respecting death and our elders. Very sad.
I see a very big problem in the Church leaders here trying to cool the alresdy tense situation which is becoming like it is just normal or okay now but with all due respect, you missed the chanse. Chapter closed now
The problem here is because of the Christians for Lungu who seem to be quiet when the likes of Nakachinda, Emmanuel Mwamba, Given Lubinda and Makebi Zulu were vorcal, vomitting rubbish everywhere even in South Africa having interviews with international media houses where they talked alot of evil things against their own Country and the President of this great Nation but you were ziiiiiii. Not even say anything or guide them if you didn’t want to condemn them because of the main brown envelops tbat Lungu and PF were dishing to some of you.
Even this one ati Alick Banda must be ashamed of himself, with all that has also been going on and round – to be singled out to preach an the final send off of EC by the disgruntled PF mayopic scattered so called leadership is a shame and let down to the Catholic . Such coincidence and all the confusion. You were quiet. This one ati Joshua Banda was there in South Africa with the likes of crooked Chanda Kabwe, Musukwa and the Lawyer made family spokesperson Makebi Zulu.
Others didn’t even want to hear Tonga songs at pf secretariat funeral and you were all quiet, what type of you is you. Very sad indeed. And today you can even say mocking mocking do you think propely sure?
Very sorry indeed. You were and is supposed to be above board and forgore earthly things because you fully understand dearth. But…….
Too bad – by your deeds you are known.
Exactly my leader what I thought
And what lead to this mockery? It’s the same family of the deceased who like playing games because of their hatred for one man.