PASTORAL GUIDE TO ALL CCZ MEMBER CHURCHES
Promoting Peace, Unity and Responsible Citizenship During the 2026 General Elections
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
1. Introduction
Dear Heads of Churches, Bishops, Pastors, Ministers and Church Leaders, grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
As Zambia approaches the 2026 General Elections, the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) calls upon all member churches to faithfully fulfil their prophetic and pastoral responsibility of promoting peace, reconciliation, justice and national unity.
The Church has a sacred responsibility to be a moral voice in society, pointing people to Christ, who is the Prince of Peace. During this election period, our churches should become centres of prayer, healing, hope and reconciliation, rejecting every form of violence, hatred, misinformation and division.
This guide provides practical direction to assist churches in proclaiming God’s message of peace and encouraging responsible citizenship.
2. Key Pastoral Messages
Church leaders are encouraged to consistently preach and teach that God desires peace and unity among His people and that every human being is created in the image of God and therefore deserves dignity and respect. Political differences must never become reasons for hatred, violence or discrimination.
Christians should participate peacefully and responsibly in the democratic process, remembering that elections come and go, but Zambia remains our shared home. The Church must remain impartial while boldly speaking against injustice, violence and corruption.
Above all, Christians are called to demonstrate love for their neighbours regardless of political affiliation.
3. Prayer Focus
Member churches are encouraged to dedicate time during every worship service to pray for peace before, during and after the elections; wisdom and integrity for national leaders; protection for electoral officials, observers and security personnel; peaceful political campaigns; unity among families and communities; truthfulness and responsible communication; and the protection of vulnerable groups, including women, children, youth and persons with disabilities. Churches are also encouraged to seek God’s guidance upon Zambia and His Church throughout the electoral period.
4. Suggested Sermon Themes
Churches are encouraged to preach and teach on themes that promote peace, reconciliation, responsible citizenship and Christian conduct.
Suggested themes include Blessed Are the Peacemakers (Matthew 5:9),
The Church as an Agent of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–20)
Loving Your Neighbour Beyond Political Differences (Mark 12:29–31)
Unity in Diversity (Ephesians 4:1–6), Justice, Mercy and Humility (Micah 6:8),
Responsible Christian Citizenship (Romans 13:1–7),
Overcoming Evil with Good (Romans 12:17–21), and Guarding Our Tongues Against Hate Speech (James 3:1–12).
5. Practical Actions for Churches
Each congregation is encouraged to intentionally include peace prayers in every worship service and, where appropriate, organize community peace dialogues that bring people together across social and political differences.
Churches should encourage members to reject violence and intimidation and promote respectful engagement across political divides.
Congregations should actively discourage the spread of rumours, misinformation and hate speech, while encouraging eligible members to participate peacefully and responsibly in the electoral process.
Churches should also provide pastoral care and counselling where tensions arise and support local peace building initiatives in collaboration with community leaders and other relevant stakeholders.
6. Guidance for Church Leaders
Church leaders are encouraged to remain non-partisan while upholding biblical truth and Christian values.
They should avoid using church platforms to endorse political candidates or political parties, while at the same time promoting dialogue, reconciliation, forgiveness, justice and peace.
Church leaders are called to speak prophetically against violence, corruption and injustice and to model respectful speech and conduct at all times.
They should also encourage members to pray and exercise wisdom before speaking or acting in politically sensitive situations, particularly where their words or actions may contribute to tension, division or conflict.
7. A Prayer for Zambia
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of our beloved nation, Zambia. We pray that You will preserve peace throughout our land before, during and after the General Elections.
Grant wisdom to our leaders, integrity to all election stakeholders, and patience and understanding among all citizens. Protect every community from violence, fear, hatred and division. Help us to love one another despite our differences and to seek justice with humility.
May Your Holy Spirit guide every decision, soften every heart and strengthen Your Church to be a faithful witness of peace and reconciliation.
Bless Zambia and make us instruments of Your peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
8. Conclusion
The Council of Churches in Zambia urges every member church to intentionally make peace a central message throughout this election period.
Let every sermon, prayer meeting, Bible study, youth gathering and fellowship become an opportunity to proclaim Christ’s peace and encourage responsible citizenship.
Together, let us demonstrate that the Church remains a beacon of hope, reconciliation and national unity.
As Scripture reminds us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18).
Rev. Canon James Phiri
The General Secretary