STORMING OF A PRIVATE MEETING BETWEEN BISHOP CLEMENT MULENGA AND FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU BY STATE AGENTS IS A SCANDAL – CATHOLIC BISHOPS WRITES PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA
STORMING OF A PRIVATE MEETING BETWEEN BISHOP CLEMENT MULENGA AND FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU BY STATE AGENTS IS A SCANDAL – CATHOLIC BISHOPS WRITES PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA
By Fox Reporter
THE Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has expressed its strong disapproval of the recent behavior exhibited by State Police officers towards Bishop Clement Mulenga of Kabwe and former President Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
The incident occurred during a courtesy visit by Dr. Lungu to Bishop Mulenga on Friday, May 17, 2024.
In a letter addressed to President Hakainde Hichilema, the ZCCB conveyed its deep displeasure, describing the actions of the police as “incredibly scandalous and intimidating.”
The bishops condemned the unwarranted invasion of the Bishop’s privacy and emphasized that the Church, including its leaders, has the right to welcome and listen to all individuals without discrimination, fulfilling its spiritual mission.
Citing scripture, specifically Matthew 11:28, which states, “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest,” the bishops highlighted the inclusive nature of the Church’s mission. They stressed that it is normal for individuals facing various challenges to seek solace in the Church, even in a country that may not be formally designated as Christian.
The ZCCB strongly condemned the intimidation and violation of privacy experienced by the Church’s prelates and their premises. They reminded the state of the Church’s diplomatic relationship with the government and called for respect and dignity towards Church premises and ministers.
The letter, signed by Most Rev. Ignatius Chama, Archbishop of Kasama and ZCCB President, urged President Hichilema to take necessary measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur. The bishops emphasized the importance of upholding the rightful dignity and autonomy of the Church, emphasizing that it should be free from intimidation and unwarranted invasions.
