The Catholic Church has condemned what it describes as threats against Auxiliary Bishop Gabriel Msipu Phiri of the Chipata Diocese, stating that the prelate speaks not on his own behalf, but on behalf of the universal Church, representing the body of Christ and the Pope.
The Association of Zambian Diocesan Catholic Clergy (AZADCC) president, Fr. Augustine Mwewa, criticized Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa for reportedly issuing threats of unspecified reprisals against Bishop Msipu following the cleric’s public remarks criticizing the United Party for National Development (UPND) government.
Fr. Mwewa defended Bishop Msipu’s right to speak truthfully about governance issues, asserting that the Church’s role includes speaking out on matters affecting the people. “The Bishop does not speak for himself, he speaks for the Church. Threatening him is threatening the entire Catholic community and the values we uphold,” Fr. Mwewa said.
Mr. Mweetwa, who also serves as Minister of Information and Media, is said to have announced last week that government would “isolate and deal with” Bishop Msipu for openly challenging the ruling party.
Fr. Mwewa has since urged government officials to respect the role of the Church in society and to avoid singling out religious leaders for expressing views that reflect the lived realities of their congregants.