BOTH the Church and politicians draw membership from the same constituency; the community. The people that throng campaign rallies are the same people that congregate in various denominations every Saturdays and Sundays.

It can, therefore, be said that Christians are as concerned about what happens in the political arena as much as politicians.

For the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) to urge churches in Zambia to encourage their members to vote during the January 20, 2015 presidential by- elections is timely.

Such calls from a church mother body, do not only address voter apathy towards a serious exercise like electing a head of State, but also encourages peaceful participation in elections.

Because Christians ought to be peaceful and transparent, the nation is assured of violent-free polls with their participation.

CCZ president Alfred Kalembo was right to observe that since churches were found in all parts of Zambia, it was important that church leaders encouraged their members to exercise their right to vote next month to enhance democracy.

As rightly noted by Dr Kalembo, it would be irresponsible for church members to shun the voting exercise as that would deny them of their rights to participate in the governance of the country.

Even in the wake of such calls, the role of the church towards political parties is well-defined; that of being neutral and avoid taking sides openly.

 The Church being Oasis of peace, knowledge and forbearance, is thus justifiable to join in the campaign for tolerance and sanity amid political diversity.

From the pulpits, messages of love and tolerance that places humanity above political affiliation would transcend are preached.

And who goes against what the clergy says; shunning elections and cause confusion, actions that are against the Gospel?

We fully agree with the CCZ in calling Christians to join in voting and by so doing obliterating the ‘dirty game’ politics have been branded.