Sat, 24 Jun 2017 11:40:01 +0000
By CHIKUMBI KATEBE
Clergymen have been cautioned against taking sides in keeping political peace and unity in Zambia.
Speaking in a homily, Father Laston Lupupa, of Matero’s St Mary’s Parish said those advocating disunity should realise that the hate build-up has no segregation as it will affect everybody regardless of tribe or region.
“When it comes to Zambia, we are all Zambians. We are not Tongas. We are not Bemba. We are Zambians.
“Don’t take sides when it comes to peace and unity. Whatever comes will affect everybody regardless of where you come from, or who you are,” he said.
He explained that Zambia was bigger than any tribe or group or region of people especially those with ill intensions about the unity and peace the country has enjoyed in its 53 years of independence. “Whatever could come out of this would not choose who to target or who to affect. It will affect everybody that is why we need to pray that we maintain the peace and unity Zambia is known for. To live as one people,” he said. And the Catholic Church in Zambia plays a very important role as it influences the good values of society, says the Irish Ambassador to Zambia His Excellency Seamus O’Grady.
Mr O’Grady said Ireland values the important role held by the Catholic Church in Zambia as they challenge injustices and deficiencies in the manner the country’s Governance system was being run.
He said the Church in Zambia was not afraid to challenge the injustices and absences of decision makers in their line of service to the people.
He said this on the commemoration of 125 years of the Catholic Church in Zambia during which period the Church has enjoyed overwhelming relations with Ireland. He has since paid tribute to the works of the Irish Missionaries to Zambia who have contributed to the education and health sectors across the country.
He said Irish missionaries’ involvement in helping to overcome Zambia’s challenges remains the pride of the Catholic Church’s works and backbone in Zambia.
