Cornelius Mweetwa’s desperate and illogical attack on the Catholic Church
The recent remarks by UPND and government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa that the government will not respond to the Catholic Church but only to the Auxiliary Bishop of Chipata, Very Rev. Gabriel Msipu Phiri, in his personal capacity expose a glaring contradiction in logic.
Bishop Msipu Phiri, during a Mass in Lumezi, spoke in his official capacity as an Auxiliary Bishop. He did not offer personal opinions but delivered a message that reflects the lived realities of Zambians. He highlighted the suffering of the people, the unfulfilled promises of the UPND government, and the lack of tangible development over the last four years. These are not personal grievances; they are national concerns that many Zambians echo daily.
You cannot separate the Bishop from the Catholic Church
Mr. Mweetwa’s attempt to isolate the Auxiliary Bishop from the Catholic Church is nothing more than a political gimmick designed to avoid addressing legitimate concerns. When a Catholic Bishop speaks during Mass, he speaks as a representative of the Church and its faithful, not as a private individual. Why is the UPND government, through Mweetwa, trying to separate Bishop Msipu Phiri from the Catholic Church simply because his message made them uncomfortable?
Would Mr. Mweetwa have taken the same stance if the Bishop had praised the UPND government instead? It seems that in the eyes of the UPND, the Catholic Church is only acceptable when it remains silent or offers praise. But when it speaks on behalf of the people against government failures, it suddenly becomes a target.
Why Is the UPND fighting the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church in Zambia has always played a crucial role in speaking for the voiceless. However, the UPND government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, has repeatedly chosen to attack the Church and its clergy rather than address the real issues affecting citizens.
Archbishop Alick Banda of Lusaka has been on the receiving end of UPND attacks simply for speaking the truth. When he criticized the government’s failure to address economic hardships, he was met with hostility from UPND-aligned voices, with some calling him a sympathizer of the opposition. The UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda even went as far as calling him the “Lucifer of Zambia.” Instead of engaging constructively, the UPND sought to silence him.
Similarly, Bishop Clement Mulenga of Kabwe has also been a victim of UPND intolerance. The ruling party has repeatedly targeted Catholic clergy who speak against the government’s failure to deliver on its promises.
The question that begs an answer is why does the UPND see fit to fight the Catholic Church? Why does a government that claims to stand for democracy and freedom of expression react with hostility whenever the Church speaks on governance issues?
You cannot silence the truth
Cornelius Mweetwa and the UPND must come to terms with a fundamental reality they cannot fight or silence everyone who criticizes their failures. The Catholic Church is a respected institution with millions of followers across Zambia. Attacking its clergy for simply stating the truth will not change the economic hardships that Zambians are facing.
Instead of launching baseless attacks on Bishops and Priests, the UPND should focus on delivering on the promises they made to the people. The Church will not stop speaking the truth, and no amount of political maneuvering will change that.
If Cornelius Mweetwa and the UPND government do not want to hear criticism from the Catholic Church, the solution is simple start fulfilling your promises and addressing the real problems affecting Zambians. Until then, no amount of political spin will cover up the reality of suffering in Zambia today.
