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| President Michael Sata |
In their statement published in the ZEC Website on 11 April 2014and signed by the President -Council of Churches in Zambia, Rev Dr Alfred Kalembo said CCZ noted with dismay the hostility exhibited by the Republican President Michael Sata who issued threats against the Rev Bishop George Lungu, Catholic Bishop, for allowing prayers for the release of the constitution to be conducted in his diocese.
These attacks are unwarranted, misdirected, uncalled for and an act of intimidation. CCZ would like to support the stand taken by Bishop Lungu to allow for prayers on the release of the constitution to be conducted at one of his parishes as this is the path that the church has taken, to take the constitutional issues to the pulpit.
“Let it be known that this campaign for a people driven constitution will continue until the Zambian people give unto themselves a new constitution that will improve the way our country is governed by those we elect into political office,” read the statement adding that “The church cannot stand by and let the poor people of Zambia continue to wallow in abject poverty in the midst of all the God give resources we have in the nation which are befitting only a few because of lack of proper governance structures.”
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| Bishop George Lungu |
“A new constitution is a must and the church will not rest until those whom we have put in office hear the voices of the people in Zambia. This, we believe, is not too much to ask of our own government,” read the statement adding that “The church leaders who are advocating for the release of a new constitution has no political ambitions, but is instead drawing their authority from their God given mandate to speak for the silent majority.”
CCZ is therefore calling upon President Michael Sata to do the right thing and that is to give Zambians their constitution sooner than later.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops in Zambia have commended the Catholic Secretariat management team for their collective hard work and leadership that enabled finalization of extensions project of the Kapingila House.
Kapingila is the defacto home of the Zambian Catholic Bishops in Lusaka. Its close proximity to the Catholic Secretariat is ideal for the work of the Bishops. With the growth in the number of Bishops and the Conference growing, the need to extend the guest house has become greater. Similarly, over the years due to its prime location and beautiful environment, Kapingila has since opened its hospitality to the public regardless of their faith affiliation.
Speaking at the official handover of the extended Kapingila ZEC house located in the suburbs of Kabulonga low density area of Lusaka, Bishop Clement Mulenga, SDB, appreciated the support given by the clients and other collaborators.
“Our clients and collaborators please always feel at home and do not hesitate to come and enjoy the unique hospitality on offer at Kapingila. We always value your support and please be our good ambassadors,” he said.
His Lordship Bishop Mulenga further reminded Kapingila management that with the new additions and visible expansion to Kapingila ZEC house the bar of standards is expected to be higher than before.“On behalf of the Bishops, I therefore urge you to live up to these raised expectations” he said.
Kapingila ZEC house was officially opened on 6 February, 1996. The initial idea was to offer accommodation and conference needs of the local clergy and Zambian Catholic laity who would wish to stay in a Christian environment when in Lusaka.
Source: ZEC