Maravi

Freedom of expression is fundamental -Fr Luonde

Freedom of expression is fundamental -Fr Luonde
By Ernest Chanda
Sat 01 Sep. 2012, 10:20 CAT

FATHER Richard Luonde says freedom of expression is a fundamental ingredient in any human society which should be utilised in love. Commenting on Chipata Catholic Diocese treasurer general Fr Gabriel Msipu's message that people had a special mandate to speak against injustices in society, the Kitwe Anglican priest said such freedom was good for healthy human interaction.

"In as much as it is there, where your freedom ends, another person's freedom starts. So it means that even those in authority have got such freedoms and should be respected. Nevertheless, no one should stifle another person's freedom of speech because it is a constitutional right that should be respected and upheld whether we agree with what others say or not," he said.

Fr Luonde therefore advised that people should exercise their freedom of speech with love and respect.

"…It does not pay to insult others or call them names in the name of freedom of expression. If we have issues to speak about we should bring them out genuinely and in love. Free speech is fundamental right which all of us should enjoy at all times," said Fr Luonde.

Delivering a sermon during morning mass on Radio Maria on Wednesday, Fr Msipu said it was everyone's right to express themselves on issues of national concern.

"It is the duty of all of us as Christians, as church leaders and as concerned citizens of this country. We all have a special mandate and this is our human right to express that what we feel is not okay and we do not do it out of bad will, but we are there to help each other and to alert those in authority and also to make them know what is happening in certain places which sometimes they cannot visit at all," he said. Fr Msipu said those in authority were sometimes detached from reality because of being misinformed about what was happening in the country.

"When you look at the church and indeed some church leaders, brothers, sisters, priests, pastors and other religious leaders, we are found in most places, sometimes even in remote places which cannot be reached by people in authority, to inform them what is happening among certain people in society," said Fr Msipu.

Labels: FREEDOM OF SPEECH, RICHARD LUONDE

posted by MrK @ 2:32 PM