Religious Affairs Ministry will further compromise the Church – NAREP

The National Restoration Party (NAREP) says the proposed creation of the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs will further compromise the church.

NAREP acting Spokesperson Frank Sichone says the church has been compromised lately, with most church leaders having taken political stances.

He says while the suggestion of such a Ministry of religious affairs may be appealing on face value, a closer inspection suggests that the Ministry will cause serious conflicts of interest – notwithstanding the question of credibility in considering whom is best placed to head it.

Mr Sichone says NAREP recommends that President Lungu should not introduce a new Ministry for this purpose, but instead consider the appointment of a religious adviser as Chaplain.

He states that the Chaplain’s role will be to directly advise the President and political leaders on religious matters.

Mr Sichone has cited the United States as one such example of a successfully functional Chaplaincy where the church and the state run separately with Barry C. Black serving as Chaplain to the Senate.

He says this model has ensured that whilst the state and the church are run separately, God is not separated from the state.

Mr Sichone notes that at a time when the nation is facing serious financial challenges, the introduction of any new Ministry will further exacerbate the country’s financial woes.