WE agree in totality with newly-appointed Ndola Archbishop Benjamin Phiri on his ban on political party leaders from patronising the Catholic Church and making divisive sentiments using the pulpit as a campaign arena.
We also agree with him that some politicians are fanning confusion using the church for personal political aggrandisement and he is right when he says there is no need for any politician to make a public announcement that they would be congregating at any church or parish if truly their intention is to worship because there is nothing wrong with attending church unannounced and without soliciting for time to address congregants.
Unfortunately, this is what we have witnessed over the years with some church elements. Sadly, some of the most divisive elements have been issued by politicians right on the pulpit and as if that was not enough, the church itself was found at the centre of politics using its leaders and the Catholic Church has been found wanting on all fronts over this issue.
This is because some Catholic Church leaders have been at the centre of this mischief while using their positions “to speak for the people” yet what they were spilling out of their mouths had nothing to do with speaking on behalf of God’s people but about pursuing their own carnal agenda and this is how both the ruling and opposition political parties used these same lame ducks to propagate their ambitions.
We believe that churches are sacred places where individuals come to worship, find solace, and connect with their faith and are meant to be a sanctuary for spiritual growth and reflection, not to be used as political platforms where individuals use the pulpit to promote their own political agendas.
It is important to remember that churches are not political arenas. They are places of worship and should be respected as such. Using a church as a political platform can divide congregations and detract from the spiritual purpose of the church and can also violate the separation of church and state, which is a fundamental principle governing the body of Christ.
By using a church as a political platform, individuals risk alienating members of the congregation who may not share the same political beliefs and this is what is obtaining in most churches today which have decided to align themselves to politicians.
It is important for church leaders to maintain the sanctity of the church and to refrain from using it as a platform for political agendas. Instead, churches should focus on promoting unity, love, and understanding among their members, regardless of their political beliefs.
It is for this reason that we commend Archbishop Phiri for taking such a strong stance especially that some of his fellow church leaders have been at the forefront patronising with politicians purely for personal reasons which have no reflection of what the church stands for.
It is therefore gratifying that in the midst of this confusion where church leaders are offering themselves to be abused by politicians, we still have men of valour like Archbishop Phiri who still purpose in their hearts to stand for the truth even if the whole world is crumbling down on them.
What the Archbishop has demonstrated is servant leadership and bravery when others get accustomed to the status quo because the route he has taken is lonely and the decision he has made on behalf of the Catholic Church on the Copperbelt is an unpopular one.
It is up to other church leaders to emulate him and realise that it is important for them to stand for the truth because they serve as spiritual guides and role models for their congregation. As leaders within the church community, they have a responsibility to uphold moral and ethical standards, and to lead by example.
Standing for the truth demonstrates integrity and honesty, qualities that are essential in building trust and credibility among the congregation. When church leaders speak the truth, they inspire confidence and respect from their followers, and create a sense of unity and authenticity within the church community.
Furthermore, standing for the truth aligns with the teachings of many faith traditions, which emphasize the importance of honesty, integrity, and righteousness. By upholding the truth, church leaders demonstrate their commitment to living out the values and principles of their faith, and serve as a beacon of moral guidance for their congregation.
In times of moral ambiguity or societal challenges, church leaders who stand for the truth provide a sense of stability and clarity for their followers. They offer guidance and wisdom based on principles of truth and righteousness, and help their congregation navigate difficult decisions and dilemmas with integrity and conviction.
Ultimately, standing for the truth is not just a personal choice for church leaders, but a moral imperative that reflects their commitment to serving their congregation with honesty, integrity, and authenticity. By upholding the truth, church leaders can inspire and empower their followers to live out their faith with courage, conviction, and righteousness.
What we have witnessed from some church leaders recently leaves a lot to be desired and we hope that those who were patronising with political party leaders as business-as-usual have taken a leaf from what has been demonstrated by this man of God.
Separating the church from political interference is important because it ensures that individuals have the freedom to practice their religion without political interference. When the church becomes entangled with politics, there is a risk of religious institutions being influenced or controlled by political agendas, which can infringe upon the religious freedom of individuals.
It is also a fundamental principle of democracy that ensures that political players as well as the Government remain neutral and do not favour or discriminate against any particular religious group. When the church becomes involved in politics, there is a risk of religious bias influencing the Government decisions, which can undermine the principles of equality and fairness in a democratic society.
By keeping the church separate from political interference, religious institutions can focus on promoting unity, love, and understanding among their members, regardless of their political beliefs. This helps to create a sense of inclusivity and diversity within the church community, fostering a spirit of acceptance and respect for all individuals.
When the church becomes a political platform, it can compromise its spiritual mission and purpose. Using the church for political purposes can alienate members of the congregation who may not share the same political beliefs, and detract from the sanctity of the church as a place of worship and spiritual growth.
Separation of church from politics is a foundational principle that ensures the independence and autonomy of both religious and governmental institutions. When the church becomes entangled with politics, there is a risk of blurring the lines between religious and political authority, which can lead to conflicts of interest and abuses of power. Separating the church from political interference is essential for preserving religious freedom, protecting democracy, promoting unity and diversity, safeguarding the church’s integrity, and respecting the separation of powers.
By maintaining this separation, religious institutions can fulfil their spiritual mission and purpose, while also upholding the principles of democracy, equality, and freedom for all individuals.
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