HOLDING of “political prayer meetings” in church buildings by the grand coalition raises a number of questions. Why in the Church and not hotel?
These meetings send two messages to the surrounding community; first is this the marriage between the Church and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and secondly, that the outcome of the meeting is also the position of the hosting church.
While I do appreciate the services of NGOs and the need for partnership with the Church, I think, on the other hand that there must be a clear line between them and the Church.
The Church alone is stronger enough to be heard or change situations even without an alliance with some NGOs which have very little or nothing to do with Christianity.
The Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) president, Archbishop Ignatius Chama said, “……The church already has enough spiritual power to be clamouring for more.” This is the position I hold.
In a crisis, the sanctuary can be used as a refuge, or for the signing of peace treaties where the Church stands as referee or peace maker, but not for meetings which are biased towards a certain political position.
The draft Constitution is a very important document but I don’t think it qualifies to be discussed in a sacred place in the name of “prayers”. Currently, the relationship of NGOs with the Church is a one-night-stand whose consequences will be discovered after NGOs have fulfilled their agenda.
Rev. WILLIE NYENDWA,
Ndola.