Copperbelt clergy seek cementing `Christian nation’ in constitution
COPPERBELT based clergy have supported the proposed amendment which seek to remove the term that Zambia is a
multi-religious nation’ in the preamble of
the 2016 Constitution and replace with the word “Christian nation”.
Making a submission to the Parliamentary Select Committee appointed to scrutinize the Constitution Amendment
Bill No.10 of 2019 yesterday, leader of the
delegation Raddy Lewila said the removal
of the word multi-religious’ as argued by
others was not discriminatory because other provisions in the Constitution permitted and protected their existence.
Dr Lewila indicated that the word
“Christian” was important, as it defines ambia’s national character, values and principles, which made it a unique nation.
“What is at stake here is the upholding
of Christian character of the nation and
how we would want to be government using Christian principles and values. We demand that Christian principles
and values be the guiding principles of our nation,” Dr Lewila said. He also said
the peace that Zambia had continued to
enjoy was as a result of the declaration of the country as a Christian nation. Dr
Lewila noted that tampering with the proposed amendment to the preamble as
well as Articles and 8 of the Republican Constitution by way of attempting to retain
the phase “multi-religious” and removing
“Christian” would undermine the country’s
Christian values and national identity as a
Christian Nation thereby, opening up the country to foreign elements and practices
that might be detrimental to the people.
Meanwhile, Dr Lewila said the clergy on the Copperbelt were not in support of a
Coalition Government as proposed in the
Amendment Bill, but rather propose a rerun.Lusaka Central Member of Parliament Margaret Mwanakatwe questioned the Clergy’s proposal for a re-run, stressing
that it would be a huge expense on the country considering the economic challenges that it was experiencing.
But in his response, Dr Lewila said democracy was expensive, therefore there was need to be prepared for the expense
that comes with it.
The clergy also opposed the amendment Article 117 that seeks to reintroduced deputy ministers.