By Gregory Mofu
Zambia is mourning the passing of its 6th Republican President, Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu. But instead of a united front in grief and dignity, the country is witnessing a deepening impasse between the Government and the Patriotic Front (PF) over funeral proceedings. What should be a solemn national moment is being overshadowed by political conflict and division.
In the face of this tension, we must ask: Where is the Church?
President Lungu was not just a political leader—he was a man of faith, known for his close relationship with the Church. Throughout his presidency, he openly leaned on the Church for guidance, partnership, and moral support. It is only fitting that in his passing, the Church should rise up to honor him—not just in word, but in action.
Now, as this crisis unfolds, we believe that President Lungu, even in death, is looking to the Church—his Church—to help restore calm, dignity, and unity to this process. The silence from our religious leaders is not just disappointing; it is dangerous.
When moral voices fall silent, political actors—unchecked and unaccountable—can lead a nation down a dark path. We need not look far for a chilling reminder. In 1994, Rwanda’s peace was shattered by political division and unchecked rhetoric. Many of those who could have spoken up stayed silent, and the result was a genocide that claimed over 800,000 lives.
Zambia has always been a peaceful, God-fearing nation—but peace must be protected. The politicians we are leaving to fight unchecked today could burn this country tomorrow, just like their ideological “twins” did in Rwanda.
We call on the Church to stand up now.
Speak peace. Call for unity. Bring both the Government and the opposition to the table. Zambia is not the property of politicians—it belongs to God and His people.
If the Church does not rise now, it may find itself trying to pray over ashes tomorrow.
There probably are no brown envelopes to be had…!
These days I encourag people just to pray from home, most church leaders ka credibility no bwino bwino
Most churches are polarised and compromised
The Church is full of Bishops from Northern and Eastern who are PF sympathizers so they’re liking the drama?
Liar Ndhlovu, go and sleep
Where is the lie? This is so true.
Everytime the church comes in, it is called all manner of names. It chooses to sit back and let government go round the funeral thing, some people feel the urge to attack the priests and bishops. The church comes in at any moment to quell impasses at its own time, sort and place without undue influence or illogical coercion.
The church leaders have failed lamentably in this matter. To fall silent when their non-partisan Bible -informed guidance was needed most is not wisdom but a serious indictment on their uncertainty of mandate and mission. We now only expect to hear from them when the price of mealie meal or fuel goes up.
By the way, the author may have inadvertently pointed out the problem when he writes “President Lungu, even in death, is looking to the Church—his Church…”. No sir, the church does not and never will belong to Lungu or anyone else. The church belongs to Christ. Sometimes it seems some of our church leaders have forgotten that.
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Makunku.. Please chill.
You only want to discuss the Church involvements how and when it suits you. The Church is an organisation of order not cofusions. First you soil the situation then cry the loudest about the church. If you have run out of ideas, sit back and cool your outburst.
Tomorrow is Wednesday, when the body from SA arrives you will see the church programme speead out. That is their role. You can’t tell them what and when to do it.
The Catholic Church (individual bishops) during the PF regime was heavily complicit by taking bribes through “gifts”. The bias of the Catholic Church toward the PF is blatant to see. Otherwise, proper counsel would have been given to PF to mourn with inclusivity and dignity.
The Church is made of political prostitutes.
You deliberately forgot to mention that the SDA are openly biased towards the UPND such that when the PF members made their own hearty contribution towards a fundraising Dorcas venture, their offerings are rejected on account of party lines. Why have they not offered the spiritual guidance you so crave to get from the Church? Is the church the author here is discussing only to do with Catholics? Desperacius, your thinking, like that of Makunku, frighteningly leaves much to be desired.