Church Role in National Constitution Conference
Jubilee Centre November 14th, 2007
Christians in Zambia watched the 1991 elections more closely than any other in my lifetime. Bishops, Reverends and Pastors of all denominations from the affluent urban churches to rural mud and grass thatched churches motivated Christians with scriptures such as: When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan (Proverb 29:2
). Several months before elections, believers met in homes and churches to pray, acknowledging God as the Maker of heaven and earth and as the Originator of policies that govern government activities (Psalm 121:2; Romans 13:1). God heard our cry. He opened a new door of opportunity for Christians to give due diligence in assuming responsibility of preserving our society for the good of the people and to His glory. To start the process of moral and economic transformation, God gave us a Christian Republic President and Vice-President. Also, a few key cabinet positions where held by committed Pentecostal Christians.
How have we fared since? Have we been able to hold our elected leaders accountable to their promises? Are we committed to electing people to public office those who are role models in the establishment of policy or principles and practice those principles in their own family, work or businesses activities? Have the choices we have made in the election of public officers been based on who we are and what we could do if we were elected to that same position? If a person seeking public office does not rely on faith in God or in his hard work for his own personal needs, such person could be left to corruption, bribe and public approval. Have we made sure that those we elect are not swayed by greed, selfishness or public approval?
The church has faired well in telling people what the Bible says, but only few churches are equipping their people by teaching them how to take their responsibilities as both heavenly and earthly citizens seriously. The message of the Bible has practical implications for such issues as how to live our daily life, earn money honestly, spend money as a good steward, take care of earthly resources, love your neighbor, treat people of other races and religions, raise a family, how to relate with foreign nations and how to lead people to Christ. Indeed Jesus message is personal but it is not private. The message has everything to do with public matters in general and with politics in particular.
God is deeply concerned with issues of education, poverty, AIDS, marriage, sexuality, aid, foreign policy and personal empowerment. As a nation we face the need of a new republican constitution. The challenge we face is not the government that wants to bend the constitution in its favor. The challenge we face is that Christians in influential positions will attend the National Constitutional Conference, but are weak in theology. As in 1991, let the church’s voice be heard again. The church must reach out to its Christian lawyers, judges, police officers, doctors, and business communities who will attend the NCC and help to develop a constitution derived from Biblical standards. The church must reach out to motivate the Church to love their country and to burn with zeal to see Zambia restored to righteousness and on the road to economic prosperity. In addition, the church must again revive its prayer life for the peace and prosperity of Zambia. May the church in Zambia be known as one that applies Sunday morning values to Monday’s responsible actions.
Lawrence Temfwe
