Chief takes a swipe at Catholics

Chief Mwanachingwala of Mazabuka has taken a swipe at the Catholic Church for taking an antagonistic stance with government at the expense of preaching the word of God.

The Chief told a committee of staff from Caritas Zambia led by Eugene Kabilika and Mazabuka Priest in Charge, Father John Mansaya that it is saddening to note that instead of preaching the word of God the church was engaged in negative criticism of President Rupiah Banda’s administration.

The chief was speaking during a Caritas- Monze Diocese organised forum dubbed a ‘Call for Unity and Reconciliation’ held at Mazabuka Golf Club yesterday.

Chief Mwanachingwala said the negative criticism by the church was not helping in uniting and reconciling the nation.
He advised the church to engage in meaningful dialogue with President Banda and avoid issuing harmful statements that can divide the nation.

Chief Mwanachingwala said the campaign on calling for unite and reconciliation initiated by the church has come at a right time adding that controversial priests such as Father Bwalya should equally be counseled if the campaign is to yielded positive results.

He said the culture of insulting national leaders by the church should not be entertained if unite and reconciliation is to be achieved.

But Caritas Zambia representative, Eugene Kabilika defended the church’s criticism on government.

Mr. Kabilika said the church does not engage in negative criticism but constructive criticism aimed at national building.

He observed that Catholic Bishops remain worried at the high level of intolerance among political parties and their members who criticize their leaders.

Mr. Kabilika said the intolerance has resulted in some party officials with divergent views being expelled.

And Mazabuka District Commissioner, Tyson Hamaamba who officiated at the function also urged Zambians to jealously guard the peace the country is enjoying because it was achieved through hard work and sacrifice.

Mr. Hamaamba, however, commended the Catholic Church for initiating a uniting and reconciliation campaign which is aimed at uniting and reconciling Zambians through the One Zambia One Nation concept.

ZANIS