Maravi

Fight corruption, Sata urges Church ... corruption is a sin just like murder

Fight corruption, Sata urges Church ... corruption is a sin just like murder
By Ernest Chanda
Mon 17 Sep. 2012, 10:20 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata says corruption is a sin just like murder, and urged the Church to fight the vice.

And President Sata has asked the Church to help unite the country. Speaking as guest of honour at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross' golden jubilee celebration in Lusaka yesterday, President Sata said the Church was a strategic institution in fighting corruption.

Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Cabinet ministers, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mkhondo Lungu and British High Commissioner to Zambia James Thornthon, among others, also attended the celebration.

"We further call upon the Church to assist the government in curbing corruption, abuse of office and general embezzlement of public funds. If we look at the Ten Commandments, the Ten Commandments say 'Thou shall not steal'; corruption is stealing. So we want the Church to preach more against these things. And what we would like is what you priests say on the pulpit there - on top there - you should be able to repeat what you have said there; not only to remain here," President Sata said yesterday.

"If you say Michael Sata is dark, even if you go outside go and say the same thing, but don't say something in church and fail to repeat the same thing outside. You should be the shining example. Our society needs to be constantly reminded that corruption is sinful just like murder. Corruption contributes to underdevelopment and deprives our citizens a better and dignified life, which they are entitled to. Clearly, our growth as a nation is entirely dependent on how decisively we shall deal with these retrogressive and evil vices."

He urged the Church through its teachings to uphold moral principles of love, care and responsibility.

President Sata said the Church should also promote honest attitudes among people.

"So we must all pledge to fight corruption, which in itself is an injustice, an evil and an act of self- centeredness," he said.

And President Sata called for unity in the country, saying the Church had always played an important role in that area.

He said Zambia was an oasis of peace today because the Church had been in the forefront.

"As government, we sincerely commend the Anglican Church in Zambia for being instrumental in the country's growth throughout these decades.

Indeed, you have been valuable allies to all successive Zambian governments and we salute you for that," President Sata said.

"The Cathedral of the Holy Cross has turned out to be a national spiritual icon and heritage which, over the decades has played a pivotal role in this country's national, state, civic and spiritual interactions. This national spiritual icon holds an extraordinary place in this country's political, social and spiritual history. We cannot forget that among the numerous progressive resolutions passed right in this place was Zambia's return to multi-partism or plural politics."

President Sata pledged to uphold the warm relationship between government and the Church.

"For without spiritual guidance, the nation would be lost. We therefore, commit that we will do everything possible to ensure that this relationship is strengthened. Let me appeal to all well-meaning Zambians to embrace dialogue, reconciliation, peace and harmony," said President Sata.

"On our part, we remain committed and available for any engagement that stands to benefit our country and its people."

And diocesan bishop David Njovu said the Cathedral of the Holy Cross would always be a place for peace and reconciliation.

Labels: CORRUPTION, KENNETH KAUNDA, MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 2:31 PM