Peace be with you: Catholic Church not political

By Pelekelo Liswaniso

IT IS a sigh of relief to hear that the Catholic Church it is not a political party to fight and criticize the government but that it was in fact a partner in development.

The assurance from Catholic Bishop of Mongu diocese, Paul Duffy, at the weekend, has dispelled mounting speculation in the country that the Catholic Church was at logger-heads with government following some recent developments within the church.

We were particularly concerned with activities and statements surrounding some of its leaders such as those attributed to Radio Icingelo station manager, Father Frank Bwalya, who is alleged to be at the centre of a political movement through which he is calling on Zambians to “change or die for Zambia.”

Father Bwalya’s activities including his reaction to the general leadership of President Banda leave question marks on what his role is at the radio station, let alone, his role as a leader of one of the most influential churches in the country.

We are concerned on whether Father Bwalya consults his superiors in the Church or if he has the blessings of the leadership and general membership about his work or about what he intends to do now.

The Catholic Church has generally been an inspiration about its messages of dialogue and reconciliation, but the recent happenings in the church like the recent boycott of the national consultative forum on the economy, was a clear indication of double standards.

Its silence on the activities of Father Bwalya, has also raised questions on whether the leadership in the Catholic Church consults its members in the same spirit, it has repeatedly called on the government to consult on important issues affecting the nation.

We wonder therefore, whether members are consulted before the leadership issues pronouncements, some of which, border on unwarranted attacks against the government.
The church is a sacred institution whose role is to provide healing and guidance to the nation and not a source of conflict.

We are therefore delighted that Father Duffy, who met and held fruitful talks with President Banda in Mongu, has assured the nation that the Church and the government will work together for the ultimate benefit of the people of Zambia.

The assurance is commendable particularly that it was made during the Easter weekend, which is an opportunity for all Christians and the nation at large to renew their hope and pray for a better country.