CCZ urges political parties to embrace each other

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) is urging all political parties to come out of the confrontational political mood and embrace each other.

In a statement following a CCZ heads of churches and leadership meeting held in Lusaka, CCZ President Reverend Dr Alfred Kalembo says the church is concerned with the prevailing political environment that has caused tension in the country with the continued campaign mood behaviour exhibited by leaders and followers of the main ruling party and the opposition.

Reverend Kalembo says the current environment has been a breeding ground for the expression of hate and personal attacks, a situation which has allowed the supporters to despise each other and clash whenever an opportunity arises.

Reverend Kalembo says if the situation is allowed to continue, this will result in the supporters engaging in physical confrontation in an effort to prove a point or defend their political stance.

He says the church feels there is need to desist from using hate speech as a tool for intimidation.

Meanwhile the CCZ has welcomed government’s commitment to work with the existing church mother bodies in the country to help in regulating the activities of individuals and organizations which endanger the citizens in the name of religion.

Reverend Kalembo says the position taken by government to enforce the regulation will ensure protection of citizens from abuse and reduce on the inflow of unscrupulous individuals masquerading as prophets and pastors.

He says CCZ will support all measures taken in order to bring sanity to the body of Christ in Zambia, such the formulation of strong and viable policies to regulate church registration in an attempt to flush out false prophets, pastors and all other types of bishops.