Wed, 14 Feb 2018 07:52:40 +0000
THE Church in Zambia stands out as the most neutral institution to intercede in national affairs particularly now when the political temperature is high.
Truly, the body of Christ must immediately get together to assist restore harmony in the political space that has suffered suffocation and intolerance.
Politicians from the ruling and opposition political parties have been tearing each other apart through highly-charged public statements. Tit-for-tat is not the best approach of handling national affairs.
In the meantime, tension is rising among party members while their leaders are engaged in unending political melee.
The Church must swiftly move in before the temperature reaches boiling point!
Rationality is begging; the Church will not only mediate but also offer spiritual guidance to enrich the souls and minds of political leaders who have drifted into instinctive upswing.
Therefore, the Church being an integral part of governance and social justice should forthwith spur reconciliation through political dialogue.
In fact, President Edgar Lungu has called on the Church to guide opposition political party leaders on the need for civility and constructive criticism. The Church should heed the call.
Furthermore, the Church should involve all political players, civil society and other interest groups so that all vexing issues are discussed conclusively.
Even in ancient Israel, Church leaders or high priests provided guidance as they were part and parcel of the governance system.
During the journey to the Promised Land, the Israelites received guidance from Aaron, who was high priest during the reign of Moses. After they entered Canaan under Joshua, they were ably guided by Aleazar – the high priest at the time.
The governance set up was such that there existed the high priest, judges (and later kings), and the prophet – the holy temple was always paramount. When King David reigned over Israel, Abiathar was high priest and Nathan was the prophet.
High priests interceded in time of strife.
In consequence, the Church has for a long time been part of the governance system and also interceded in pressing matters.
Although the current set up is different, the Church still remains part of the governing process, fulfilling the advisory role and spiritual counsel.
It appears some political parties have packed their manifestos on the shelves and adopted public stunts aimed at outshining each other in abhorrent language. The tone and choice of words are frightening.
The ugly pattern has given ammunition to the social media which is feasting on distorted information, falsehood and alarming statements that seem to excite a certain segment of society.
As long as politicians continue splashing mud at each other, the social media will have a field day and will continue to couch stories in a manner that portrays politicians in negative light.
Politicians from either side have not magnanimously come out to call for dialogue but have instead been pulling the rope in different directions by giving pre-conditions.
The Church in Zambia has grown over the years; it must now come up with a common agenda to restore order in the political arena instead of watching ugly scenes from the periphery.
Surely, Zambians cannot continue listening to mudslinging and name-calling which at times degenerate into physical confrontation. Citizens will be comfortable with productive debate among leaders of different political parties.
A rocky political landscape has the potential to scare investors at the time the country is in a hurry to develop. Economic fundamentals are buoyant while copper, the country’s major export earner, is fetching attractive prices above $7, 000 per tonne.
Zambia cannot afford to plunge into an economic downturn on account of a few fiery and iron-fisted politicians, some of whom are threatening violent action against investors. This is outmoded radicalism!
The PF, UPND, FDD, NAREP, NDC and other political parties must come to terms and thrash out substantive issues instead of addressing matters aggressively through the media.
We fervently call upon the Church to righteously remedy the political strain.
