SUMMONING OF FATHER CHEWE MUKOSA MAKES VERY SAD READING AND HIGHLY REGRETTABLE

We wish to place on record that summoning of Father Chewe Mukosa by the Zambia Police is not the way to go and therefore totally uncalled for.

We are aware that the Church is the conscience of the nation. In a nation said to be Christian, his is not going to be the mode of engaging those with divergent views especially the church. We rather expect more dialogue and collaboration between the Church and the Executive and not fear tactics because they do not work at all.

Priests like all other clergy are called to speak for the underprivileged in society and even when the Executive does not like what is being said, wisdom demands that they listen and engage. Any believer in the gospel of social Justice will side with Father Chewe Mukosa.

Sadly it is this type of zeal that’s brought down many African governments and no one seems to learn. To the Police – from one regime to the next, there always seems to be a huge need to appease those holding office at any given time. Sadly that has never worked. Therefore this kind of excitement is uncalled for and extremely careless. Learn from the past including those who have gone before you and become wiser.

On this score, we wish to advise His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema not to allow such acts from law enforcement agencies. Zambia ought to be a thriving democracy, otherwise how many priests or members of the clergy is the Police going summon and how does that add to our democratic credentials?

It’s a no brainer that on this matter the court of public opinion will side with the Priest for he spoke on behalf of his congregation and committed no offence at all. If Government does not agree with the issues he raised, it can always clarify any perceived misinformation and Zambians will be willing to listen. We have real criminals the Zambian Police must be pursuing and not the clergy.

Sixty (60) years after Independence such items must not even grace the headlines of our print and electronic media outlets at all.

We cannot build a society allergic to criticism including checks and balances by the Church.

Signed:

Hon Sunday Chanda
Member of Parliament
Kanchibiya

Sunday, 7th April 2024.