‘Thou shalt not lie’

THE Church and the Government must continue with complementary efforts in many facets of life particularly in uplifting the moral fibre and undertaking social services in the country. In governance and spiritual guidance, the Church must remain an indispensable partner. The Church’s invaluable contribution to national cohesion and development must be cherished all the time. Which is why the two institutions should constantly consult each other to ensure that the relationship blossoms. They should not give space to greedy elements. In case where there are misunderstandings, it is important for the leaders in the two institutions to come together and resolve any grey areas without delay. Thus Ndola Christian Ministers’ Fellowship chairman Chilekwa Mulenga is spot on to re-state the Church’s continued support towards Government. It will be prudent to analyse Reverend Chilekwa’s statement in more detail. The Church is worried that some Civil Society Organisations (CSO), political players and some clergy have taken a tirade at Government over issues that have already been resolved. At the risk of sounding repetitive, we agree with the men of God who strongly feel that there must not be any unnecessary friction between the Church and Government. It is clear that there are some CSOs and uncultured political commentators that want to tilt the issue surrounding the recent detention of pastors in Ndola. The matter was conclusively discussed at a meeting convened by Copperbelt Minister Japhen Mwakalombe and his Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe on one hand and the Church and other stakeholders on the other. It was resolved then that the stakeholders should put all differences behind and move forward to serve the people with avid civility. But the know-it-all and their cohorts seized the opportunity to mislead the nation with the hope that issues in the country could spin out of control. They should be reminded of the “thou shalt not lie” commandment, lest they remain on the wrong side on the tide. Zambians are interested in discussing development at household, community and national levels. It is counterproductive, therefore, to engage in discourse which is couched in a negative manner; the dark motive is to whip up emotions among the people against the government. The pastors themselves have closed the chapter, but some elements are scheming to drive a wedge between the government and the Church. They have failed. Whatever the case, the Church remains resolute in complementing Government’s effort to provide social services. It is crystal-clear that this partnership will continue as spoilers also continue to choke. The Church has been running schools and hospitals for a long time even in the remotest parts of the country. The United Church of Zambia and its partners for example are in Chama, distributing food and other relief help that include fertiliser and maize seeds to victims of last February’s flash floods. The Catholic Church too has spread its tentacles to rural outposts, providing health and education services; other Churches are doing the same. Government has also taken a bold step by creating the Ministry of National guidance and Religious Affairs. This is in recognition of the important role the Church plays; it is also meant to cement the complementary relationship. Detractors are always lurking in the shadows and snooping around for every opportunity to ‘sting’ the Government. Zambians must graduate from spending time listening or reading about destructive gossip that has become a pre-occupation of some politicians and some members of CSO, which merely act as fronts for mischievous agenda. The Church and the Government will continue to collaborate; detractors will continue to choke with envy.