WHY IS THE CHURCH IN ZAMBIA MISLEADING THE CITIZENS ABOUT MEMORIAL SERVICE? IS MEMORIAL SERVICE ABOUT THE BODY OR BURIAL OR HONORING DR. EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU?
BY Cde Chisomo Cleopas Zulu.
4th June, 2026.
A *memorial service* is a ceremony held to remember and honor someone who has died.
*1. Purpose*
It’s about celebrating the person’s life, sharing memories, and giving family/friends a space to grieve together. Unlike a funeral, the main focus isn’t the body.
*2. With or without the body*
Main difference vs a funeral
*Funeral*
Body or cremated remains are usually present, often followed by burial/cremation.
– *Memorial service*: Body/ashes may not be present at all. It can be held days, weeks, or even months later. This is common if death happened far away, if cremation happened privately, or if family need time to gather.
*3. What usually happens*
There’s no single format, but typical elements:
– *Welcome/opening words* by an officiant, family member, or friend
– *Eulogies/speeches* – people share stories about the person’s life
– *Music, readings, or poems* that were meaningful to them
– *Photo/video slideshow* of their life
– *Moment of silence or prayer*
– *Reception/meal* after, where people talk and support each other
*4. Where it’s held*
Can be at a church, funeral home, community hall, home, garden wherever feels right. It’s usually less formal than a funeral.
*5. Dress code*
Often dark/subdued colors, but some families ask for bright colors or the person’s favorite color to celebrate their life instead.
Basically: Funeral saying goodbye to the body. Memorial service remembering the person.
The current church leadership is self serving diverting from the teaching of Christ who’s interest is the weak in the society.