UPND CATHOLIC MINISTERS URGED TO DEFEND THE CATHOLIC FAITH – HON. STEPHEN KAMPYONGO
Shiwang’andu Member of Parliament and Catholic parliamentarian Hon. Stephen Kampyongo has called on Cabinet Ministers in the UPND who profess the Catholic faith to remain committed to the Church’s teachings as they serve in government. He stressed that Catholic politicians must be ready to defend not only their faith but also their shepherds when they are attacked or ridiculed.
Hon. Kampyongo made these remarks in response to a group of Catholic Cabinet Ministers (calling themselves senior catholics) who held a press briefing to counter the position taken by the Catholic Church, as a member of the Oasis Forum, in calling for the withdrawal of Bill 7. He emphasized that while service in government is temporary, one’s Catholic identity endures for life.
Speaking during the Advent Season—a period of repentance and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ—Hon. Kampyongo urged Catholics, especially those in politics, to seek reconciliation and remain steadfast in their faith.
©Lumen TV-Z
On this matter this trajectory that some of the church leaders have taken, the Catholic flock is divided, the institution is polarised. Watch the space.
What evidence do have that UPND Catholic Ministers are not defending the Catholic Faith? Is supporting Bill 7 failure to defend Catholic Faith?
There is no such thing as “Catholic ministers”
The truth is that these faith based organisations have been playing partisan politics instead of advocating along their constitutions.
How do you blame some of these catholic Ministers who were not consulted concerning their thoughts regarding Bill 7.
Does it mean, the Catholic leaders have now assumed the rights of individuals within there faith organisation. I am sure it is never a requirement to disclose which political party one comes from. It is a personal choice.
Right within the Catholic church there are members of UPND who support Bill 7. So how can they be denied to express their feelings when no consultation was made. This is wrong and must be addressed.
I expect to see a serious divide within these compromised organisations. Honestly the only correct thing to do is to respect members wishes or political affiliations. Let these organisations stick to their mandates. Period.
Defending the Catholic faith doesnot mean agreeing with the pronouncements of religious leaders. The Catholic clergy and other clergy in general are not infallible and most times, their reasoning is filtered through personal perception lens.
The world today is full of false prophets just like in the days of Jeremiah. But the Bible has certain bench marks to help us determine who the genuine men of God are. Mathew 7:16, “By their fruit you will recognise them”. Galatians 5:22, ” The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Where you see a clergy raging or being sarcastic or belligerent, quetion their standing.