Zambian Oblate Bishop: Call of the Baptized is to Speak Against Bad Governance

Oblate Bishop Evans Chinyemba OMI of Mongu Diocese in Zambia says Catholics that do not speak up when political power is being misused are neglecting baptismal responsibility to call for a just society.  The Bishop’s call for action is contained in the October diocesan newsletter titled,‘ Catholic Lay Faithful and their Participation in the Political Life of a Country.’

*Newsletter for Mongu Diocese – October 2015

 Our Catholic lay faithful in Zambia today

Banabahesu, the laity in Zambia are the majority in our Church. They are more than all the priests and religious put together. Some of our Catholic laity are, or have in the past, held prominent positions in government.

Dear brothers and Sisters, the Church has addressed the issue of politics and the Church through various encycIicals. In these documents the Church has been clear about spelling out the roles, duties and responsibilities of the lay faithful in the political sphere. Let me cite one of these documents. In 1988, Pope John Paul II released a Post Synodal Apostolic Exhortation ChristifidelesLaici (On the Vocation and the Mission of the Lay Faithful) in which, among other topics, was the role of the Laity in public life. Addressing the laity the Holy Father said, ‘In order to achieve their task directed to the Christian animation of the temporal order, in the sense of serving persons and society, the lay faithful are never to relinquish their participation in “public life”, that is, in the many different economic, social, legislative, administrative and cultural areas…’(No 42). 

As Catholics, you the lay faithful have a duty to contribute fully to the shaping of a just society and bring about sanity to the politics of our country.  You have a role to play in the transformation of how we do our politics, from character assassination to issue based politics, and from politics of insults and violence to politics that inspire. As laity you should be the first ones to speak out when national resources are being misused, even by any government in which you are serving.  Here is when St. Thomas More becomes your model. If you cannot speak as a concerned laity, who else will speak! When power is misused and you remain silent, know that you are neglecting your duty as a lay faithful. When attempts to silence masses are made and you remain mute, you as laity neglect your duty as a baptized person who is missioned. To remain silent is to have sold one’s conscience.

Inspired by the Gospel, and your involvement in politics, you have the duty to shed light on issues of justice, corruption, quality leadership, economic well-being, housing, education, health care, security, issues of the youths and many other interventions that will help in building a better Zambia. This better Zambia can only be achieved if you the laity understand your involvement and the reason why you are in politics. In the already quoted Apostolic Exhortation document Pope John Paul II alludes to the spirit of service as the only inspiration that invites the laity to participate in political life of their country (cf. 42).

Sometimes some of our capable and gifted Catholic lay faithful look down on a calling to politics. Some feel it is the sole duty of Bishops to speak about politics on behalf of the people. Yes, you are right. Yet the other side of the coin is also true. You laity have a voice, you have a mission, you have a mandate in the political life of your nation. Pope emeritus, Benedict XVI put it more directly when he said to the lay faithful of Africa, “I also encourage you to have an active and courageous presence in the areas of political life, culture, the arts, the media and various associations. Do not be hesitant or ashamed about this presence, but be proud of it and conscious of the valuable contribution it can offer to the common good!” (Africae Munus: Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on the Church in Africa in Service to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace (19 November 2011).

You are the majority, therefore take your rightful place and present what is valuable to politics. I urge you to bring to the political field the values that make you a good Christian and a credible Catholic. We have among our laity those who understand why they are in politics and are ever ready to serve and contribute to a good political culture of the country. These are good examples.  If you are among the laity who are involved in good politics, let St. Thomas More continue to guide you.

This said, we know that we also have bad examples of Catholic lay faithful who have entered politics not to serve but to enrich themselves. While there are Catholic politicians who try to discharge their duties well, sadly some of them have compromised their faith and have neglected the spirit of service for political gain. They can even choose to lie in order to continue holding on to power at various levels.  What does political service means?  Service in politics means ensuring that every human person in this country has the basic necessities of life: food, shelter, security, education, water, electricity and other social amenities. Service in genuine politics does not mean amassing wealth for oneself or for one’s clan. On 4^th November, 2000, addressing government leaders, members of parliament and politicians, Pope John Paul II said, “Hence, Christians who engage in politics and who wish to do so as Christians, must act selflessly, not seeking their own advantage, or that of their group or party, but the good of one and all, and consequently, in the first place, that of the less fortunate members of the society”. If you are counted among the laity who are participating in bad politics of the nation, open your heart and let St. Thomas More intercede for you.

As your Bishops we will never grow tired of speaking up on non-partisan political matters using our prophetic ministry. We pray, we teach, we sanctify, and we preach! However, this should not make you, the laity, sit back and watch. You have your role. Our roles are different but they complement each other. The priests and religious who minister to you and with you have their roles too. Their role in the political sphere is to teach, guide, sensitize and challenge you to rise to the occasion so that you can fulfill your mandate of participating in politics.

Banabahesu, never underestimate your mission. You cannot forever remain a spectator in the political life of your country. You have a moral obligation to make sure that politics is done well so that others may live.

  

Conclusion

Banabahesu, this has been one of my longest reflections. This topic matters. It comes at a time when a lot is happening in the political sphere of the country. It is my hope and prayer that we shall take time to reflect and see what each one’s contribution to the political life of the country is or could be. For those who are seriously in politics to serve, here is the chance given you once more to continue doing good. For the laity who are involved in politics for a wrong reason, this moment is given you to return to the basics and rediscover that which you have lost. For laity who feel politics is not for them, this reflection together with the story of St. Thomas More should help you realize your responsibility in the political life of your country. Indeed you have a voice.

Once again, embrace your roles, your duties and your responsibilities in the political life of your country. Saint Thomas More is there as our model, let us imitate him and ask for his guidance.