The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) released a statement on the proposed creation of the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs
FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
Dear brothers and sisters, fellow citizens, the people of God.
As leaders of the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), formerly ZEC, we hereby wish to state our position with regard to the proposed creation of the Ministry for National Guidance and Religious Affairs.
Firstly, we believe that the common denominator and our mutual rallying point between the Church and the State is that we are both concerned about the common good and the well-being of God’s people. As such, we see the need for the two to trust each other, engage in genuine dialogue and work as partners in promoting the development of its peoples, especially the poor. This requires sustaining a healthy Church-State relationship, with the Government not favouring only those groups that praise every decision it makes and every plan it follows. On our part, we shall continue to be non-partisan and respectful while playing a vital role of being a voice of conscience calling a nation to order, especially in the aftermath of the 2016 general elections that have incurred on our people scars of violence, division, tribalism and hatred.
Secondly, and notwithstanding our readiness to collaborate with the government of the day in our common pursuit for national development, our position is that the Church and State should be and continue to remain separate. In view of the various financial and economic challenges our country is currently facing, we neither see the creation of the said ministry as a top priority nor a prudent decision. After-all, we believe that Zambians want their country to be a democracy rather than a theocracy. Not only that, we believe that as churches and other faith communities, we have thus far been able to exercise our God-given mandate and meaningfully contribute towards national development without having such a ministry. Therefore, both CCZ and ZCCB stand opposed to the creation of the above mentioned ministry.
Thirdly, we stand by the biblical principle as clearly taught by our Lord Jesus Christ, who declared: “Well, then, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God” (Mark 12:17). Again, our Lord and founder defined our prophetic mandate when he proclaimed: “The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour” (Luke 4:18; Cf. Isaiah
61:1-2). In other words, the Church derives its authority, mission and structure from God and this must not be confused with temporal order of political governance.
Fourthly, we take this opportunity to reassure our membership that, we the said Church Mother Bodies, will not be intimidated in exercising our God-given mission of being the conscience of the nation and exercising our prophetic ministry of calling for social justice following the example of our Founder, Jesus Christ. At the same time, we commit ourselves to continue being credible and reliable instruments for promoting a culture of dialogue, reconciliation, justice, unity, development, respect for divergent views and peace in Zambia.
May God bless you all and bless our nation Zambia.
Signed on 19th September 2016,
Most Rev. T-G Mpundu Rev. Dr. Alfred Kalembo
ZCCB President CCZ President
It was a problem in the first place to declare Zambia a Christian nation. Yes the lone voices against the declaration back then in 1992 were ignored. Other than catholic bishops, all other church mother bodies embraced the idea of a christian nation. So setting up a ministry of religion in my view is a natural consequence of that declaration.
I am surprised that in the statement above, no mention of the declaration in 1992 is made because that in my view is the source of the problem in the first place …
Remember how many voices were insisting that the preamble of the current flawed constitution should not discard the statement on Zambia being a Christian nation? That was precisely the marriage of state and one religion – and now these same christian fellows are reminding us that it is not in order after all!
The above is a story of those lost in desert for years and were tired of eating manna and instead wanted meat. They say do not pray for what you want or the wish may be granted after all …
Confirms my thoughts that there was no consultation carried out with the churches before the formation of this ministry was announced.
We have three main Church mother bodies. The three bodies have been speaking with one voice on many issues. Surprisingly this time, only two; Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) and Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) have voiced their concerns. The question I would ask again is “Where is The Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ)?”
Well done church leaders. You represent the true light of God. However, despots will see nothing good out of your advice.
The main fear is that the new ministry may demand audit of church funds and tax on tithes and offerings. Churches are huge organisations running on pooled members funds which are mostly used on administrative issues rather than helping the poor and ministering to lost souls.
The valid main fear is that the state wants to control the church in the same way in which it currently controls the media.
Its hard to speak against Church mother bodies because of respect I’ve for them. When I read such statements I wonder what they stand for. Even incoherently quoting Scripture! Whether you like it or not the Spirit of the Lord is moving in Zambia. “In all His wisdom & insight God did what He had purposed & made known to us the secret plan He had already decided to complete by means of Christ. This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven & on earth, with Christ as head” (Eph1:9-10). Don’t mislead people ZCCB & CCZ like it was in old days. CHRIST is head of everything!
The valid main fear is that the state wants to control the church in the same way in which it currently controls the media.
We remain non partizan??? Coming from CCZ i dont agree with the statement of this mother body.
Secondly, Zambia is a Christian nation and this is enshrined in our constitution so why is it a problem in having such a ministry??? We know revarand matale if she was picked to head the ministry she could have not seen anything wrong!
Subjective and fear are the devil’s destructive weapons. The Christian mother bodies in Zambia are God’s instruments.
This just sounds politically motivated. Someone is driving from behind! What could be wrong with a Ministry of Religion remaining non partisan in a gov’t structure? After all ministries belong to all parties and after one party is in or out after elections the ministries remain behind! The ministry then supports the new gov’t.
But I have to say, it’s a grey area to have the church in gov’t especially as there is a tendency fir corruption and the church tied to such a worldly structure would be tainting. It would have been a support towards our Christian nation declaration.
Religion is very personal. Why do you need an ENTIRE GOVERNMENT MINISTRY to guide your personal beliefs?? Are you marching towards a theocracy or what? Aren’t you seeing enough of a mess in other regions of the world where religion has curtailed people’s freedoms? Need I even give examples??? It is clear as day for all to see. You will eat grass like sheep out to pasture if you are not careful. F00ls!
Kalok good point. Imagine Reverend Godfridah Sumaili will be expected to monitor and guide the personal beliefs of each and every Zambian. Mmmm very strange.
The ministry is NOT needed at this time when poverty is HIGH. But as usual CERTAIN leaders will not listen to others. When all say NO , listen and change. After all the president should have asked before making the ministry. May somebody needs rewarding at the expense of the nation. What does the appointed person say? Morality please, True Christians MUST not just accept anything just for the love of money and fame.
Who was Lungu listening to when he created this Guidance and Religious Ministry. It is clear that he did not consult the Christian Council of Zambia and the Catholic Bishops Conference. In the past and especially during the UNIP days, Kaunda had a Ministry of National Guidance. But this Ministry was meant to promote Humanism. What guidance will this new Minstry promote? Isn’t Lungu doing this the other way round? Create a Ministry first and then allow that Ministry to justify its existence? Isn’t the creation supposed to come from stakeholders of which CCZ and the Catholics are important? Or Did Lungu only consult Pentecostals such as Pastor Sumaili and Pentecostal Assemblies of God Senior Pastor Banda? Maybe Lungu needs to listen to stakeholders more!
Common church motherboadies! I thought it is all about you giving guidance to the government and the people of Zambia? Buy here you are refusing the direct opportunity to help governments
Correctly stated…
I DO NOT SUPPORT THE CREATION OF THIS MINISTRY. BUT NEITHER DO I SUPPORT THE REASONS GIVEN BY THE CCZ. WHEN OTHER MINISTRIES ARE CREATED, THE CCZ DOES NOT COMPLAIN THAT MONEY IS BEING WASTED. FOR ME, THAT MINISTRY CAN MEAN ANYTHING. EVEN AMONG CHRISTIANS WE ARE NOT AGREED. MORMOMS OR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATER DAY SAINTS AND THE SDAs, THE JEHOVAS WITNESSES ARE ALL CULTS AND NOT CHRISTIANS. SO WHO WILL RUN THAT MINISTRY? EVEN PENTECOSTALS AND CATHOLICS ARE NOT AGREED. THE PRESIDENT SHOULD BE HELPED HERE. WE ARE ALREADY DIVIDED ON THE BASIS OF TRIBE. PLEASE DO NOT UNEARTH THE WOUNDS OF DIVISION BASED ON FAITHS. SHELF THAT MINISTRY.
This is not the opportunity to help the Government. What these two wise men (Rev. Mpundu and Rev. Kalembo ) don’t want is compromise from the already corrupt Government. There eyes are already open, they have seen how ECL wants to control everything including the church. ECL is ready to create an environment that looks friendly, but not for him to form One party state. Thank you very very much you two men of GOD. May GOD give you more wisdom to lead and direct.
The Catholic Church are well versed and experience when it comes to control…they know where this is going …only a thief can spot another!!
Observations: Kabimba’s propagation for a single party nation should be stopped by all means possible.
In recent times I have been closely observing one Wynter Kabimba on his statements and movements regarding the political party he represents the Patriotic Front (PF). Kabimba who is the PF’s Secretary General has made statements that sometimes I wonder whether this man is for real or he is in a world of his own […]
The above was observed by Musamba Mumba Zambian in UK. on June 4, 2014.
When we talk about one party state you forgetful Zambians think its a joke. It has been a PF skim from the party’s inception. CAN’T YOU READ BETWEEN THE LINES.
Any member of commonwealth country having this ministry ? Any invention must tested and approved . Who approved this ministry ?
Thought am a support of ecl, I find the creation of such a ministry absurd. Today many people are hungry, every one is looking up to the govt for the creation of opportunities that will deliver people from the current economic conditions. I really don’t know what development this ministry is going to bring. Having a minister, Ps, directors and alot of other staff just to look at churches is worst kind of being wasteful. If such a person is wanted by the President he can just add that function to one of the existing ministries. I 100% support the bishops on that one. Our economy is in such a diprolable state and the first thing our president is talking about is the creation of such a non productive useless ministry? Please Mr president come to the reality and concentrate on things that…
Tuma pastor is the main problem here.talking too much.
The purpose of the ministry is so that no money is given directly to a pastor in any Church. Congregants will now pay the money to the Ministry. Pastors will have to queue up for monthly salaries, like any other employee.
They wanted a Catholic Bishop to lead the Ministry, now that it has gone to someone else it becomes an Issue. if it was TG Mpundu leading the ministry, they would have kept Quiet. Grow up and we also think its not necessary to bring hate speech over one position.
So now government wants to tell people how to pray lol
I personally see (if my sight serves me well) the problem not being the creation of the ministry but the bishops NOT WANTING TO BE LED BY THE APPOINTED PERSON whom they think is further away to Jesus than them.
AM A PF SUPPORTER, BUT IMMEDIATELY I HEARD THE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCE THAT HES CREATING THE MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, MY BODY TREMBLED, WHAT CAME TO MY MIND IS THAT THE CABINET IS ALREADY BLOTTED AND ADDING ON ANOTHER MINISTRY LIKE THE ONE ANNOUNCED WILL JUST BE A WASTE OF THE ALREADY SCARCE RESOURCES. PERSONALLY, EVEN WHEN CHILUBA DECLARED ZAMBIA A CHRISTIAN NATION, I WAS JUST BAFFLED. WHAT DOES IT MEAN ” TO DECLARE A NATION CHRISTIAN?”. TO ME IT MEANS NOTHING BECAUSE A COUNTRY CAN STILL BE A CHRISTIAN NATION EVEN WITHOUT A DECLARATION. LOOK AT CYPRUS, PERU, MEXICO TRADITIONALLY RELIGIOUS, NOBODY HAS DECLARED THEM “A CHRISTIAN NATION”! I HOPE LUNGU IS NOT FALLING PREY TO SOMERSAULTS! WHERE HE TRYING TO COVER UP CERTAIN THINGS, LIKE CHILUBA DID, THROUGH SUCH ABSURD AND UNFRUITFUL…
The best these guys should have done is to ask Government how this Ministry will function and then comment based on that. It seems to me this ministry will act as an interface between Government and the Church. That’s sounds like order to me.
The declaration is a problem
1. declarations can only be made in a Kingdom therefore this inclusion should be contested in ConCourt
2. The Christian constitution is the bible and therefore you can’t put its point in a man-made constitution
3. The Anglican Church is an exmple product of such attemps (please read) history and problems in Rome
4. How will say a Muslim Zambian ever rule Zambia with such a preamble?? This now like tribes issue will backfire one day when other religions grow. Islam is the fastest growing religion and will outstrip Christianity
THE MONEY’S INTENDED CAN BE USED TO DEVELOP GOV’T STRUCTURES IN DUNDUMWEZI
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