Don’t be bought, bishop urges churches
By Thandizo Banda
UNITED National Independence Party (UNIP) president Bishop Trevor Mwamba says churches must not be bought by political handouts or silenced by fear ahead of next month’s general elections.
In a pastoral decree issued yesterday, Bishop Mwamba said Zambia stands at a critical crossroads, urging the Church to act as the moral conscience for the nation.
“Our nation stands at a critical crossroads. The destiny of our people, the peace of our land, the unity of Zambia, and the very soul of our democracy hang in the balance,” Bishop Mwamba said.
He said the Church could not afford to be a silent spectator and therefore must reject political violence, tribalism, insults and hate speech.
Bishop Mwamba cited Micah 6:8, Amos 5:24 and Proverbs 21:3, that a true Christian was rooted in justice and righteousness.
He urged fellow religious leaders to speak truth to power and never be cowards.
Bishop Mwamba quoted 2 Timothy 1:7 and Proverbs 31:8-9, warning that a church that stayed silent in the face of injustice had compromised its prophetic voice.
“If we claim to love God, we must love our neighbors. If we desire righteousness, we must demand absolute transparency in our electoral processes,” he said.
He called on all churches and faith groups to mobilise in prayer for peaceful, free and fair elections, and to uphold “One Zambia, One Nation.”
Bishop Mwamba urged churches to dedicate the next two Sundays to prayer for national peace to end political violence and ensure safety at polling stations, unity to dismantle tribalism and divisive rhetoric.
He said the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and officials should uphold electoral integrity.
“…act fairly and transparently, voter wisdom for citizens to reject bribery and vote with discernment, and prophetic courage for pastors and church leaders to stand boldly for truth. May Zambia remain a beacon of peace, justice, and righteousness. God bless our nation. Guide her leaders. Guard her people. And give her peace,” Bishop Mwamba said.
