THE Church has challenged leaders in the country to declare zero-tolerance to bloodshed, hatred, mistrust and division.
Saint Ignatius Catholic Church Parish priest Charles Chilinda said leaders should embrace and love one another and preach peace, harmony and reconciliation.
Father Chilinda said this at the parish yesterday during the commemoration of the Passion of the Christ Service also known as Good Friday.
It is a procession to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
In attendance at the service were President Sata, former presidents Kenneth Kaunda and Rupiah Banda, opposition political party leaders Nevers Mumba, Edith Nawakwi and Mike Mulongoti. UPND president Hakainde Hichilema sent his apologies.
Others were cabinet and deputy ministers, members of Parliament, diplomats and senior government officials.
Father Chilinda said he was pleased that President Sata and opposition leaders responded favourably to his invitation to celebrate the mass.
“It is a great day for us, as people who have gathered here today rarely do so. When I spoke to President Sata, he gladly accepted the invitation to join other leaders at this service.
“Who would have ever thought Mr Sata would sit next to Mr Banda? And who would have ever thought RB [Mr Banda] would sit next to Wynter Kabimba [Minister of Justice]?” he asked.
The clergyman said it is not the will of God that Zambians should be divided but rather remain united.
“There is too much violence in our country. Political cadres are fighting each other everyday. These are some of the vices that are part of the wound of Christ,” he said.
Father Chilinda said leaders and Zambians as a whole should love one another regardless of their status in society.
“Today you might be a politician and tomorrow you will be an ordinary citizen. God is the ultimate boss,” Father Chilinda said.
He said the coming together of President Sata and other leaders should mark a new chapter in the history of the country.
“I hope today marks a new beginning for all of our leaders here with us. I hope this is not just a PR [public relations] or show-off by our politicians. Let us engage so that Zambia can once again be known as a beacon of peace, hope and love,” he said.
And giving a sermon, assistant parish priest John Mwelwa said Zambians should unite and thank God for the country’s Golden Jubilee independence celebration.
“50 years is not a joke. Let us love and forgive each other. Let us start afresh as a nation to make this country a better place.
“Let us remain united and celebrate in peace as this gesture will be a great present to our founding father Kaunda, who is celebrating his 90th birthday,” he said.
After the service, President Sata escorted Dr Kaunda to his vehicle and had a brief chat with Mr Banda before leaving the parish.
Only if you the church can lead by not hosting those controversial souls in your church premises. otherwise, forget it
You the church have proven in the recent past to be in thr fore front creating the division yet you want to pretend you are clean
@lamfras, I fail to catch your logic; you are saying that it is possible to bring unity by segregating one against the other….leading by example ‘by not hosting controversial souls’……the church is leading by example here uniting people by bringing them together despite the differences. I may not be a church-goer, but this is a good act by the church, and also politicians for responding positively, thank you bwana mkubwa!!!!
I hope SATA has heard
Sata hearing and stopping violence?? it will be miracle
Thats my worry as well. If Sata can heed what the man of God said, well and good. It can only be the party in power to lead the way to peace. Otherwiise it will be fire for fire, panga for panga, machete for machete, an eye for an eye.
Good Easter message.
There is a SERPENT in the CHURCH!
2 KINGS 18:4 Hezekiah smashed the bronze serpent which….had made; for up to that time the …had offered sacrifices to it.
The serpent has it’s own duty and place, but not in the church.
Peace and Love to all Zambians wherever you are, may our GOD bless you now and forever.
Twasanta mwane Ba Mwisho.
Kids like ndobo wil take long to mature.we always tel you to drop yo diapers and face the realities of ths planet earth.your hatred,ignorance and lack of the wil to learn and intergrate is costly little one.forward we moving wth the king cobra-ofcourse the road wudnt be easier.VIVA Mzee sata
FATHER OR WHATEVER PLIZ TELL ME SATA SEEMS TO BE VERY SHOCKED SURPRISED WHAT ELSE WAS HAPPENING UP WHERE HE IS LOOKING
Interesting development. A catholic father openly talking against the government induced violence. More dissent and problems for PF and for Mr. Sata.
If Sata will tell his cadres to stop brutal activities against us then all will be fine. Let him remove the name of the word cadres because PF cadres have become like vigilantes in the time of UNIP.
Please arrest 10 violent cadres for twenty years, then will they stop the vice. I know if these PF cadres dealing were an opposition party, that party could have suffered closure today.
This is great Fr.Chilinda and St.Ignatius, continue on this path. This is what we expected from you because we know you are best placed to speak truth to power with respect. I salute you man of God – true pastor of the people, blessed to take the gospel forward. I hope Zambians will take this positively and call for similar moments in other churches or places of worship. Dont blame the catholics, what have done? Some Bishops, Pastors and other faith leaders must join the crusade – this is the gospel of today. Use the pulpit to call for justice and the respect of all – the care for the poor and aged. Evangelise to our great nation – challenge your flock who work in GRZ and NGOs to do right