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It’s not wrong to inform govt about untold sufferings, says Fr Msipu

It’s not wrong to inform govt about untold sufferings, says Fr Msipu
By Christopher Miti in Chipata
Mon 18 Oct. 2010, 08:10 CAT

CATHOLIC Diocese of Chipata Vicar-General, Father Gabriel Msipu, has
said it is not wrong to inform the government about the untold sufferings that Zambians are subjected to. In an interview, Fr Msipu urged Zambians to move out of the era of targeted politics.

“Remember that any person holding different or opposition opinion does not mean the person is an enemy. We all want peace and development meant to uplift the standards of the people.

It’s time to discuss real issues affecting our people instead of wasting time finger-pointing and discussing individuals. This is not in the interest of most Zambian people. Let us learn to dialogue on important issues of national interest, to be tolerant of each other, to embrace other people's opinions in humility and learn to accommodate other people's feelings,” Fr Msipu said.

He said the prophetic voice of the Church on behalf of the voiceless should not be viewed negatively.

“The Catholic Church, not speaking as a spokesperson, and in indeed many churches in Zambia are major partners in the development of our mother Zambia. These churches are supplementing the government’s effort in various sectors of life and they cannot be ignored and condemned for telling the truth about the real situation the people are facing.

The prophetic voice of the church, on behalf of the voiceless in the society, should not be viewed negatively. Do not focus on the individual but critically look and analyse what the individual is saying on behalf of the less fortunate in the society,” Fr Msipu said.

He said government should attend to people’s problems especially in rural areas.

“For instance, we have places in Eastern Province that sometimes appear not to be part of Zambia.

How many people, even some of our government officials, are familiar and in touch with the suffering the people are going through in Kanyerere, Chikwa, Chifunda, Chibeza, Zokwe, Nthumbe,Mkasanga, Simoni, Chasera, Malama, Kapiri Kasweta, Mphonde, Kabvilawa, Kaphako, M'ngulube, Chinsimbwe, Mwape, Lwembe, Nyalugwe and many other places?

These are places with no proper roads, no health institutions, dilapidated schools, no easy access to stores, ..etc. As the Catholic Church we are present in these places, we have stayed in these places and we are in touch with the real life situation of the people. What would be wrong for the bishop or priest to speak on their behalf?” Fr Msipu asked.

He said most of the clergymen who have been called names were peace-loving and had a lot of goodwill for the government.

“Mind you, these clergymen are Zambian citizens who are concerned with the suffering of their fellow Zambian citizens! It is sad that some of our top government officials lack humility to accept the truth and the advice that is sometimes given by certain church officials. This attitude is detrimental or poisonous to the country and it certainly retards development,” said Fr Msipu.

“I therefore humbly ask that the current situation and the misunderstandings that are going own between the government and some churches are not to the interest of many Zambians.”

Fr Msipu said there could never be development and progress where there was finger pointing, politics of insults and excessive suspicion between some church leaders and the government.

“Let us respect each other, appreciate each other and see each other as partners in development and try to uplift the standards of the people we have all been called to serve so that suffering may be minimised among many Zambian people. We all want peace and development for our people. May God bless Mother Zambia!” said Fr Msipu.

Labels: CATHOLIC CHURCH, GABRIEL MSIPU, POVERTY

posted by MrK @ 5:32 PM