Three Church Mother Bodies, namely the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), and the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), have assured the nation that the Church is actively engaged, both publicly and behind the scenes, to mediate and foster dialogue between government and the Lungu family following the death of Sixth Republican President, Edgar Lungu.
Speaking during a joint media briefing in Lusaka today, CCZ General Secretary, Emmanuel Chikoya, said that beyond offering prayers, the Church is playing an active role in facilitating reconciliation and understanding between the parties involved.
“It is unfortunate that the funeral of the former Head of State remains in limbo, a state of uncertainty that is affecting the general functioning of the nation, which remains in mourning,” said Father Chikoya.
He emphasized that the current situation should not be viewed as a conflict between the Lungu family and individuals within government, but rather as a moment of national grief requiring unity, dignity, and collective respect.
Father Chikoya urged both government and the Lungu family to find common ground in the spirit of mutual respect and national cohesion, stressing that while the family’s grief is deeply personal, it is also shared by the entire nation.
And EFZ Director, Andrew Mwenda, reaffirmed the Church’s impartial role, stating that it is neither sidelined by the Lungu family nor the government.
Bishop Mwenda emphasized that the Church remains committed to its reconciliatory mission and is working diligently to help both sides reach a resolution.
Meanwhile, ZCCB Director Father Francis Mukosa reiterated that the Church’s role is to offer counsel and spiritual guidance, not to impose decisions, but to support dialogue that leads to peace and unity.
Margaret Mwanza
