The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) says it has become clear that attacks on the Catholic in the public media are co-ordinated and planned, and that the conclusion is that they are sponsored by the Government.
In a pastoral letter made available to QFM, to all Catholics in Zambia on the constant attacks directed at the Catholics in the public media, to be read in all Catholic churches on Ascension Sunday on 5th June, ZEC President says it a well known fact that the likes of Chanda Chimba III a Catholic himself would never on their own accord have the operational and financial ability to carry on the kind of attacks being waged against Catholics.
Bishop Zulu says whatever the case, this is not the way of winning the Catholic vote in an election year.
Bishop Zulu has also noted the growing but steady stream of individuals, journalists and questionable organisations that are ready to parade themselves before the public media vilifying innocent citizens and the Catholic Church, who are being given what he describes as puzzling and unfettered access to the public media.
He says they are allowed to despise, with such venomous passion and impunity, more than three million Catholics in Zambia, a third of the country’s entire population.
[pullquote]Bishop Zulu has also noted the growing but steady stream of individuals, journalists and questionable organisations that are ready to parade themselves before the public media vilifying innocent citizens and the Catholic Church, who are being given what he describes as puzzling and unfettered access to the public media.[/pullquote]
He questions how this can happen in a country where the Zambian people, as tax payers are supposed to be the owners of the public media.
Bishop Zulu who is also Bishop of Chipata observes that the gist of the attacks, clearly, is meant to discredit and cast aspersions against the leadership and general membership of the Catholic Church in Zambia.
He says in the process, this is meant to create despondency, division and confusion among Catholics,adding that whoever is behind these attacks is working on the principle of divide and rule trying to divide Catholics in Zambia.
He adds that when these attacks distort the Catholic Church’s moral doctrine on celibacy or homosexuality, there is cause for alarm.
Bishop Zulu has re-stated that the Catholic teaching does not promote homosexuality. He explains that the Catholic Church’s constant and firm teaching on homosexual acts is unequivocal, stating that homosexual acts are seriously wrong and sinful,adding that under no circumstances can homosexual acts be approved.
[pullquote]Bishop Zulu has re-stated that the Catholic teaching does not promote homosexuality. He explains that the Catholic Church’s constant and firm teaching on homosexual acts is unequivocal, stating that homosexual acts are seriously wrong and sinful,adding that under no circumstances can homosexual acts be approved.[/pullquote]
On the Catholic church engagement in politics, Bishop Zulu says the church is only motivated by its divine obligation to speak on behalf of the voiceless in the country, stating that they will not be intimidated, cowed into silence or be silenced on national issues that affect the poor.
He adds that the Executive Board of ZEC has since directed the Catholic Secretariat management to monitor the situation and if attacks continue,to consider taking legal action against those who are making a habit of defaming and vilifying the Catholic church including the media houses that enable them to do so.
The church should be left to operate freely according to their doctrine to speak for the poor and the vulnerable. With good policies, there would be no concerns raised. So let us put ourselves infront of the mirror and look at our activities.
Ba Bishop, did you listen to what your nuncio said regarding homosexuality? Chanda Chimba III just brought a clip of what your nuncio was saying. So how can you say your church is being discredited? You are discrediting yourselves by saying things you yourselves cannot explain. Your nuncio had problems dissassociating your church from homosexuality. I advise you to get the clip so that you can tell for yourself. Do not be naive. Spare us the cheap threats. With or without the catholic church, elections will go on and Zambians will decide who their leaders will be.
Who ever wrote this article, please note that, in ZEC, there has never been, and there is no one called Bishop Zulu!!!!!!!!!!!!!
these catholic priests should also learn to respect themselves before they are respected by politicians..abstinence and don’t insult govt of the day..be neutral..
Noone is attacking the Catholics and all genuine Zambians know that, including Catholics themselves. Those being attacked are the fake Catholic Priests who want to turnish the image of our country. Most Zambians are sane enough and wise to read in between the lines. Paul Duffy cannot speak for Western Province or for the catholics in Westren Province. Who does fatherless Bwalya speak for? It is clear that what he says to attack and insult governemnt leaders including the president does not represent the views of Catholics. Banda of Ndola, is he a clegyman or a politician? So those who are being attcked must identify themselves as such and must surely know why they are in the firing line. Grouping themselves together with the genuine catholics will not f00l anyone.
Bishopo Zulu you have missed one point, this govt is just defending itself from your priests, Frs, and some catholic bishops who spend all their time insulting the govt leadership
Catholic Bishops my foot
I also thought that the people of Zambia are now AWARE of the POLITICAL marriage between the PF and the catholics, DONT KUBEBA
Indeed where does this bishop zulu emanate from? If you insult, expect others to respond in the same language. If you want respect stop meddling in politics under the guise of speaking for the voiceless. I expect you as the church to dilogue with government in a dignified manner by calling them to the table rather than doing it in the press. When you go to the press you play to the gallary and government is compelled to answer back the same way. The church is a very sacred institution which is not supposed to lower itself to the level of kaponyas. Now this pastoral letter you’re talking about, is it meant to advise people to vote for a particular party? We shall wait and see how you shall disgrace yourselves. WATCH THIS SPACE
Mwanya ba mumbwe ak KK what happened to him. Don’t play with the catholic they are bad new they will finish you completely. We demand respect from you katolica tewakwangalako imwe mwe tuntemba twama church
Yes! Because the Homo Catholics are also attacking Government unnecessarily. So Government has hit back at the Homos (Catholics).
See now where Dora and Chanda Chimba’s attacks on the Catholic Church will take Bwezani and MMD. It’s madness for Rupiah and MMD to fight whoever tells them the truth.
VIVA CATHOLIC CHURCH,THE VOICE OF THE VOICELESS.
DORA CANNOT BE INSULTING MEN OF GOD FOR POLITICAL GAINS.
VOTE SATA AND PF COME 2011.
#12 Who tells that these Homo Catholic Fathers have the right to insult the Government any how? The Catholics think they they are the mightiest, Nay! They are actually a minority grouping as they only account for abou 30% of the religious faith in Zambia, so what makes you think that when they make noise then they are representing the silent majority? They are just empty vessels that is why they make the most noise!
The above sentiments should be music to any freedom loving citizen of Zambia. Iam not Catholic but I agree with this church’s current fight for every citizen’s freedom. Imwe bama&*lo who have responded are all MMD zealots who are actually part of the plot. Chanda Chimba doesnt have the money to run a programme for a year let alone a day. DeadNBC belongs to the public. It doesnt belong to myopic MMD danderheads that think they own a country when they are tasked to rule it. That is a primitive understanding of governance. Learn something from KK’s downfall You can manipulate the media but you cant manipulate the people.
#14 It does not matter whether Chimba has his own money or not. What should we should be interested in is what he is reminding us of. i.e. what ‘SATAN’ said and the Post reported. If Chimba has told any lies in his documentaries let us know.
all over the world when u see a regime attacking the church and persecuting the members of the clergy, you have to know that its time has come to go out. The danger that is there with this venomous attack on the church is that close to 1.2 million of the voters who are catholic might move away from symphasising with MMD. Already the shorting in the western province has pulled out close to 300,000 voters away from them. If you serious how do u go on antagonising with blocks or groups of voters? The Pastoral letter will be ready on sunday in all catholic churches accross the country which is and average of every 4 km. A true catholic listens to the shepherd, and they will receive these insults from govt with negative action towards MMD. Who ever is advising is not wise enough.
#16 Please don’t cheat yourself that every Catholic is anti-MMD! Within the Catholics there are those who are staunch MMD and anti-PF.
The threat of a stupid a misdirected Pastral letter should not be an issue. Out of 30% Catholics in Zambia, probably only 50% support PF. Lest you have forgotten. Pastral letters have always resulted in voilence and deaths of innocent people. Ask the Rwandese. So don’t sing about it. Pastral Letters are demonic.
The pastoral letter will be read on sunday 5th June, yaba yaba thats the end of MMD mark my words.
#16 i am very suprised with your effort and the energy you have to dicredit the Church particularly non respect of the institution that is christian when u have peddling an agenda that zambia is a christian nation. I want you to go to history and find out what really triggered the Rwanda civil war and genocide. Its tribalism and social imbalances. Go and research well before misleading the bloggers here. There people here i respect very much because they research so well b4 issuing out and words. You should get such examples. I want to tell you that GOD is watching you, if you have received bribes and money like chanda chimba to tell lies, u have to repent and take back the money.
The venom to verify their capacity to influence the so called ‘change’ by some particular Roman Catholic Priests is openly clear for anyone who cares to see and the aim by these particular Priests is to create an antagonism enough to rupture the existing relation between the state and RCC.
I heard the voice of one such priest just this week on BBC putting it very clearly to the reporter that his fundamental aim is to ’cause the citizens to rise up against the current government’, a statement with an intonation showing that he had backing for for the stance taken beyond himself.
WHEN THE CATHOLIC SAY DORA WONT SUCCEED IN WHAT SHE IS DOING, THEY MEAN JUST THAT. KAUNDA ALSO BEHAVED THE SAME IN 1991 SAYING MUKENDELA PALI CORONA…WHAT HAPPEND…HE LOST TERRIBLY……MMD IS HEADING FOR A HUMILIATING DEFEAT. VIVA PF
I am NOT PF but i will not allow a situation where a temperary institution like MMD start to insult permanent institutions like the church. MMD may have a problem with PF but why splash so much hatred against the body of Jesus Christ, while say it is a Christian nation. We catholics we will make sure that who ever is insulting us will NOT get our vote. What some people do NOT know is that after losing elections and if they are facing injustices, it will only be catholics to stand for them. They forget so easily hw the church has fought for freedoms over the years.
Our Phd students have revealed that the Catholic church used to be the most feared institution because their Jesuits could kill in the name of the Catholic church. Today, the Catholic church is being dragged into courts of law because of their priests who have molested children and older people. Homosexuality is practised big time by many Catholic priests and nuns in Western countries. In Africa you have priests having children out of wedlock. Only some few priests and cardinals etc despise homosexuality. No one should fear the threat from ZEC. Their priests have been attacking GRZ and ZEC had failed to discipline them. These priests should expect attacks too. Let ZEC sue and evidence will be revealed in court. Catholic have started genocide in Rwanda. GRZ should watch them.
When a Priest takes a partisan position favoring a section of his flock against the other, how can he claim to be doing God’s work when he already has a prejudiced position in favour of one against the other?
But everyone knows that this is not their particular concern of these Priests but an overriding objective that to attain must sacrifice anything impeding that objective, even if it means being partisan, standing for one group against the other.
I am not a catholic and I do not participate in your voting, however insulting people of other denominations is very bad for anyone who wants to attract masses. I recall Born Again churches including Pastor Dan pule praising FTJ while he stole. Please leave the catholics alone, they usually just ask the government of the day to give the poor their rightful share of national cake. They do not insult. Let’s wait and see where this war between the catholics and MMD will end!
Honestly, i feel the Catholic Church and its priests have hijacked the change that Zambians are currently spearheading like the way old politicians in the Arab Spring revolution are doing.
The Zambian government is not against the Catholic church but the Catholic church have been just careless and unnecessarily in having conflicts with the MMD politicians.
If the Roman Catholic church are not careful after Sata is voted in office the Evangelical churches may support another political opponent who may stand against Sata. This will just bring unnecessary RELIGIOUS conflicts in Zambia like the way it is in IRELAND.
Zambians are not looking for this. The Roman Catholic Church should know that it is Zambians who want change. The should not take thing personal. NO NO NO NO!!!!! !!!!
#25 Lwangala, YOU F=O-O*L
You are petty and ignorant of your comment. Religious intolerance is not something you should tolerate in Zambia.
Roman catholic have made the conflict and fighting in Ireland between to be worse off. WE ZAMBIANS we do not want to have fighting between Evangelical and Catholics. NO NO NO!!!!!
What you should know is that Zambians are the ones who wants change of government and not the Roman catholic priests nor church!!! Sata may be catholic but majority of Zambians supporting him are not catholic members.
Just wait, am not a prophet but Sata will be in trouble after he is voted in office as a Zambian president from the Post Newspaper if he will take things from a catholic point of view. I have respect for the Post Newspaper and its independent views.
Let’s be civil and look at issues. Both sides may have some issues to substantiate their argument but at the end of the day, we need to see where we meet in common and then try to resolve thorn issues. Counter accusations won’t take us any where. We all pray and can’t demonise any religious denominations. The moment you call the other demon, you are simply sinking yourself into a dung of sin…failing to control your emotions. In all instances, whether wrong or right as you might put it, DO NOT INSULT THE BODY OF CHRIST. What is bound on earth shall be bound in heaven..what sins you forgive on earth shall be forgiven in heaven..these words were directed to the church apostles and not to political parties. Be careful how you say things as you shall end up cursing yourself.
Ba Singo, bena George, etc, some of us are Catholics and may share certain reservations towards individual Catholics and other denominations like SDAs, pentecostals but we do not warrant to insult the churches..I feel insulted as a Catholic for no apparent reason. But I am not suppose to insult you back…it is unchristian…it does not bring peace…parties come and go..but churches will always be there. When we die, we are not taken to our Party heardquarters but to the churches…mind the language..let’s debate with civil language I implore you
If 2 chaps in UK had the guts to try and sue the Pope, let ZEC start to court. That will inspire our Phd students to research and encourage women who had been impregnated by these Catholic priests to take their cases to court. Our students will also research for children fathered by these priests to take their fathers who abandoned them to court. The Zambian Catholic church should be prepared to dish out millions of dollars and kwachas in damages like its sister church in the USA. Should they incite violence, we will involve the international court.
Are we talking about Zambian Catholics or Roman Catholics? Ba Shaka, be peaceful…let us debate substative issues instead of attacking everyone for simply being a Catholic. We respect your church and so do the same. The pastoral letter is to a political party and not another church. secondly, do a bit of research to understand what a pastoral letter is and its objectives…let us not parade our ignorance in public. We respect you..how many married pastors have been snatching other people’s wives? How many pastors have been involved in homosexuality? The individual failures do not in essence become the literal discription of the church. The body of Christ is intact just as Judas tried to de-image the apostle group but it survived and lives on. The Catholic church will remain intact
Neither ZEC nor Chipata Diocese has a Bishop called Zulu. Check your facts LT.
#26 shaka OZ- Go beyond churches being partisan. Catholics in Zambia do not move as a mob. Catholic Church has a duty to conscientise its flock. Individual members have the freedom to belong to any political Party. Do some ground work, Shaka, and you will surprise yourself with the truth about Catholic political inclinations even in one family.
#31 Gulakumwele,
You seem to be catholics out of touch with reality and an extremists. I did not talk about homosexuality nor Priests snatching other people’s wives in the Roman catholic church.
I am talking about the catholic avoiding unnecessary conflicts with the MMD politicians and portraying themselves as if the Cathoilc church is spearheading political change in Zambia.
The reality is that Zambians regardless of their Christian church membership are the ones spearheading this change. Sata is supported by a majority of non Roman Catholic members.
If you want me to talk about the abuses of Catholic Priests in Zambia let me know, otherwise i do not believe even in the god you believe in who makes Catholics to fight and HATE other people in Ireland, Zambia e.t.c!!!!!!!
#33 If you want me to talk about the abuses of Catholic Priests in Zambia let me know,
Will this talk help us understand the topic at hand?
otherwise i do not believe even in the god you believe in who makes Catholics to fight and HATE other people in Ireland, Zambia e.t.c!!!!!!!
European Catholic/Protestant/Evangelical history is not the same as we have experienced and lived it in Zambia. We may have the beliefs/faith but the root cause and the pain of their divisions i.e. ‘better than thou/master-servant origins have not been ours’. Why the few who have read or heard about European Catholic/Protestant/Evangelical differences want to posses and own them in Zambia, I honestly do not understand)
The Catholic Church talks about Social injustice. Woe to her if she does not SPEAK OUT
Abena George – So you have been indoctrinated. You swallow Hook, Line and Sinker all MMD propaganda. Please learn to analyse issues. Do not support blindly. You must be an MMD carder. No reasoning – just siding. Fool indeed.
Roman Catholic Church needs to change otherwise its now operating like a branch of PF just like what the Post has become. So do not blame govt just tame your tribal priests.
number 26 in 1991 when church surported chiluba was he a catholic? the church surport the policies not the person whoever take over if does not go with policies which is helping the poor will be attacked by the church. The difference with catholic and other churches is so complex that you cannot corrupt one and silence catholic church like other church rb is able to pay and use them.
WHEN JESUS WAS CRUSIFIED PIPO WHO DID NOT HAVE THE TRUTH THOUGHT IS THE RIGHT THING AND SAID IS A PROBLEM TO THE SOCEITY. WHO ARE WE CATHOLICS TO NOT TO DIE FOR THE TRUE WHEN JESUS DIED FOR IT. WE PRAY FOR FORGIVE TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE JOINED IN THIS POLITICAL MANUPULATION AND GOD GIVE YOU WISDOM GOD BLESS YOU
AS LONG AS PEOPLE HAVE NO ENOUGH FOOD AND MEDICINE IN CLINC AND HOSPITALS AND THERE IS CORRUPTION IN THE GOVT, NO PRO POOR PROGRAMME the catholic church will never stop speaking. insult as much as you want Our Lord was also insult. remember the scripture says dont touch the chosen one
LT you are an arm of the Roman Catholic Jesuit, why are you blocking my comment and yet publish pro Roman catholic comments?
#32 Chanda Musyalike,
There you go again Roman Catholic staunch and extremist member. You seem to be full of heresy, hatred deception and ignorance at the same time.
Mind you i have chosen not to believe in your god because of the animosity that the Roman catholic have created between protestants and catholic in Ireland and other parts of the world and the way they were involved in the murder of innocent Jews in Germany.
The fact is there in no god but your conscience only.
I did not talk about Catholics in Zambia moving as a mob nor Catholic Church having a duty to conscientise its flock.
You need to improve your literature and understanding of your political language.
Your hatred for people with different view from your catholic point of view will consume you!!!!!!!
Cathlics, Catholics, Catholics! Ko shit. You guys r busy campaign for Sata and his in law Tresphore Mpundu. You started the game. Catholics be above politics. Catholics are part of the illuminantes represented by THE EYE, on the dollar, big brother and Musician JZ (listen to the song new york). Catholics learn to walk in love. Imagine if other christians took a partisan stance what would happen. ET (Duffy), Sata and Girasoli are busy promoting homosexuality. Any beef with the govt call them and talk to them. Too much carnality in catholic church.
Remember KK once said if UNIP wins election all the catholics will walk on the Rosary to go to Rome. We made sure UNIP lost the elections in that year and we did not walk on the Rosary to go to the pope. Catholic church, no fear, no retreat, the only church which speaks for the voiceless like the Lord Jesus did. The catholic church is the God ordained institution and when she speaks she is inspired by the divined word. Be Careful Chibamba and government you are fighting against God himself.
the above article is based on a story by qfm obtained by LT. on znbc tv news this evening at 19.00hrs, bishop john lungu was quoted as saying that the catholics do not support homosexualism and lesbianism. he said that the teachings of the bible are clear on this sin. lest our comment here above is misinterpreted or some jerks claim that the znbc news was mmd propaganda, let us clarify in advance that znbc tv was not expressing an opinion but quoting or reading from the pastoral letter. LT, please don’t disgrace yourself by quoting the discredited qfm (another pf vuvuzela), get hold of the pastoral letter yourself and tell us what it says, tell us the truth.
qfm were in such a hurry to distort the pastoral letter for the consumption of gullible zambians that they even forgot that the bishop of chipata is not called zulu but lungu. i bet the story was prepared by our pf system for qfm, that is what lies can do how come the same pastoral letter from qfm and znbc appear to be at variance? under the prevailing circumstances we advise everybody to take the qfm story with a pinch of salt they are known and confirmed pf liars, the radio version of the post.
on a serious note, as pf we don’t know whether we are coming or going, we just advise you to scrutinise what we say.
2012 Arrest Warrants
1. Rupiah Crooked Banda
2. Dora Ho Siliya
3. Simon Mambala Miti
4. Vernon slim Mwaanga
5. George Hearse Kunda
Ba Papa na imwe monse ba catolika close your mouth just go fasting and pray for what you want.you know that its not by power nor mighty but by the spirit says the Lord of hosts.You are not fighting against flesh, but against the authourities, against powers of the dark of this world and against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm ( ephesians 6: 12 ) With GOD everything is possible. read your bible not your office book
CATHOLICS VS MMD 10 : 0.That a fact NOT a joke.whether you like it or not.Continue insulting and you will see where your insults will take you. Catholics the only church that stand up right to speak for the poor.I almost chose MMD but realised it was a mistake.The only thing they talk about is the disgusting gay thing,They are not addressing real issues affecting the people.Things like Corruption.
PACK YOUR BAGS MMD AND CLEAN UP YOUR MESS AS PF COMES IN.
Kuya bebeleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
This is the first time we have come to know the existence of a Bishop Zulu within the ranks of Catholic domain. The fact is that vocal Catholic Bishops and Priests have abundoned their priestly role to embark on a crusage of attacking selected political leaders. This clique ofpriests went on rampage to criticise the Late President Mwanawasa and later turned their guns on RB just to sway Catholic believers to support Sata. Records do exist on the persistent subversive statementsissued by Dishops Duff,y, Mpundu, Banda and Fr. Miha and Fr. Bwalya etc. Their pronouncements have attracted the wrawth of numerous commentators from various regious institutions. In fact Govt responses have been embracing and conciliatory to the Catholic Church. Bishop Zulu, if he exists, is talking nonsence.
#40Shaka OZ
Thanks for your observation. The fact that you have an idea about heresy confirms your belief in something that you are publicly denying to believe in.
Protestant-Catholic and German-Jews painful diferences of the West have no place in Zambian politics. I do not see how this sad European History is linked to ZEC’s Pastoral letter to the Catholic Community in Zambia.
Kindly, suggest some material to help improve my literature and understanding of political language. I am ready to learn.
The Catholic Church has been and always will teach against homosexuality and other un-natural forms of sex.Granted, there have been clergy that committed these intolerable acts of Pedophilia and fathering children etc however there are many,many clergy who have remained very faithful to their call.In Boston, were the sexual abuse scandal first broke, there are now new guidelines in protecting the children.For example, anyone wishing to work with children need to be checked for any criminal history and under go training.My cardinal has even apologised on behalf of his brother Priests all over the world for the sins he did not commit.For the Priests, unfortunately they will be persecuted because they are speaking on behalf of the poor and because of the sins of their brother prie
Some people like #35 thinking capacity is very worrying.
“It’s too bad that stupidity isn’t painful.”
Lies have never worked anywhere in the world, look at Sepp Blatter hes about to fall out! So even Rupiah must know that you cant tricky everybody all the time, KUYABEBELE! Sata will soon be in Mongu, chiketika!
an attack on one catholic priest is an attack on all catholics, even if an individual catholic priest, such as father walya, misbehaves, insults government, dances in public like a (i am too decent to mention the word). please tell me, is this the same catholic church that we respected so much not too long ago, i mean those good fathers who were next to God and used to give us sweets?
waikata kuli chatholic, wawa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ka mmd GO in Jesus’s name and let the people be free!!
I think the Catholic church is hypocritical. They send father Bwalya out to attack using their resources. They welcome stories by the Post indicating that they support PF and want MMD out. At the same time they say that they only speak through ZEC when asked about those attacks. They may succeed in removing MMD but the scandles will hurt the church, which has already died in Europe. Pipo will loose respect of the church because it is playing double standards. Father Bwalya would go to PF rallies, dressed in Catholic attire and blessing a PF candidate using catholic methods. They still said he was not representing them. When Milingo started ordaining marreid priests they said he should not use their methods as he does not repersnt them. This means that father bwalya representing them.
Guys! This debate seem hot. Now I do not even know what to say. Hope at the end of it all we shall all be friends.
The only question that I have for us who comment on this block is how many of us are home on the ground to tell us what is really happening? Honestly speaking I am not home to know, feel and even experience the situation. This why i said I do not know what to say. My hope is that at the end we will all be at peace with everyone despite of their religious and political affiliation.