Bishop’s Council Defends Church’s Role in Zambia’s Sovereignty Debate

By Alain Kabinda 

 LUSAKA,- The Bishop’s Council of Zambia has defended the Church’s involvement in recent national and political developments, arguing that its interventions are rooted in its constitutional, moral and pastoral responsibilities rather than partisan politics.

 In a statement issued by the Council’s Vice President for Women and Youth Affairs, Dr Reverend Apostle Agness Kaposa Pushi to Daily News she stated that, the Church rejected criticism directed at a Bishop who publicly questioned the United Nations’ position on Zambia’s internal affairs.

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 Dr Pushi said the Bishop’s criticism of the United Nations should not be interpreted as opposition to international cooperation, but as a defence of Zambia’s sovereignty and judicial institutions.

 “The Church’s position is that justice in Zambia must be dispensed through Zambian institutions,” Dr. Pushi said, maintaining that allegations of treason and insurrection should be determined through the country’s courts rather than external institutions.

 The Council also defended the Church’s reported involvement in the departure of opposition figures from United Nations premises.

 According to Dr. Pushi said that the Church leaders acted as a neutral and trusted third party after being requested to assist by the opposition figures themselves. Dr Pushi said the Church’s role was humanitarian and pastoral, and included facilitating their safe departure and access to legal representation.

She has also rejected suggestions that the Church had betrayed or handed over political figures to law enforcement, arguing instead that its intervention was intended to facilitate due process and prevent further tension.

 The statement further criticised what it described as sustained attacks on the Church’s role in national affairs.

 Dr Pushi said the Church has a longstanding tradition of providing moral guidance, mediation and reconciliation during periods of political and social tension.

 She also cited comments attributed to Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe, warning that continued attacks against the Church could diminish its ability to contribute meaningfully to national dialogue.

 “A silenced Church is a weakened Zambia,” She said.

 The Council maintained that the Church does not seek political power and is not aligned with any political party. Instead, it said, its role is to promote justice, constitutional order and the common good.

 The statement concluded by reaffirming the Church’s commitment to Zambia’s sovereignty, rule of law and national unity, while calling for justice to be pursued through the country’s own legal institutions.