The three Church mother bodies in Zambia have expressed deep concern over the continued uncertainty surrounding the funeral of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, calling for urgent dialogue, mutual respect and national healing.
Speaking at a press briefing, Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) General Secretary, Father. Emmanuel Chikoya, speaking on behalf of the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), urged both the government and the Lungu family to seek common ground for the sake of national unity.
“We would like the Lungu family to understand that the grief they are experiencing is shared by the entire nation,” said Fr. Chikoya.
“Dr. Lungu served Zambia, and the nation deserves an opportunity to mourn him with dignity and respect.”
The Church bodies noted that the current standoff has cast a shadow over what should be a solemn national moment, warning that the delay in finalizing funeral arrangements was affecting the general functioning of a nation still in mourning.
“This moment should not be perceived as a conflict between the Lungu family and the State or among certain individuals,” Fr. Chikoya said.
“This is a national loss that calls for unity, reverence, and reflection. In African culture and indeed in Zambian culture disputes and challenges are traditionally addressed after burial, not during the mourning period.”
The clergy also condemned what they described as “insensitive commentary and mockery” on social and mainstream media regarding the ongoing developments.
“While the public has a right to express opinions, we urge everyone to do so with caution. Turning this solemn occasion into a subject of ridicule undermines the nation’s collective grief,” said Fr. Chikoya.“There is a time for everything,” noting that now is a time for mourning, not division or satire.
“The question we keep hearing is ‘Where is the Church?’ Let me assure the nation the Church is here. We are fully engaged, both publicly and behind the scenes, trying to foster dialogue and peace.”