MAYANGWA COUNSELS PARTISAN CLERGYMEN
PARTISAN clergymen are a danger to the peace and unity of Zambia, a Lusaka-based political observer has noted.
Commenting on the parallel memorial service of late president Michael Sata presided over by Lusaka Archdiocese Bishop Alick Banda yesterday, Dillon Mayangwa described the development as; “extremely shocking”.
Mayangwa pointed out that the church and its clergymen were an important component of a country were citizens could run for reconciliation and unity.
As the country commemorated Sata’s 10th memorial service, the opposition PF in league with Lusaka Diocese Archbishop Alick Banda refused to be part of the government programme at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka.
Despite Sata’s family coming out in the open to side with government organised services, Archbishop Banda went ahead and convened his own memorial service with cadres of the Edgar Lungu-led PF faction at the Cathedral of Child Jesus.
“To imagine and observe like was seen yesterday that its clergymen who are in the forefront engaging in activities that create division in a peaceful and Christian country is extremely shocking and unfortunate,” Mayangwa noted.
Mayangwa pointed out that the duty of the church to encourage its members to respect authorities and adhere to the rule of law instead of leading in activities of rebellion.
He said the behaviour exhibited by Archbishop Banda yesterday only promoted anarchy and political tension rather than peace.
Mayangwa urged the church to be the salt of peace by respecting laws of the land.
“The amount of confusion and failure to respect the law of the land calls for concern that the leadership of the church has seemingly opted to engage in unnecessary altercations and battles in defence and promote the hidden agenda of some self-styled individuals. Firstly, the clergy is supposed to advocate for peace and harmony by upholding and respecting the law of the land rather than advancing anarchy,” Mayangwa said.
He said the behavior exhibited by Bishop Banda and some clergymen were unchristian and lacked the principle on which the church was established.
“Christianity thrives on obedience to God, to the rule of law. By supporting a faction of disgruntled politicians whose minds are preoccupied with with returning to power not to serve but to protect their loot and abuse public resources is but a regrettable act from a man we so dearly love and respect,” he said.
He said Archbishop Banda failed a simple test of faith by holding a parallel event.
Mayangwa urged the government to pay attention to the Bishop’s activities before the countryis put in flames.
“For those taking his actions lightly should remember the Rwanda genocide. War and civil unrest is never ignited by those in Chibolya fighting, they are never started in bars or on the streets. It’s but by men of faith holding the Bible. This is why Arcbishop Alick Banda should be watched with open eyes because he has potential to put this country in flames,” said Mayangwa.
Kalemba