Judges and Lawyers Rift
Jubilee Centre July 8th, 2009
The news that Lusaka lawyers, Mr. John Sangwa has lodged a complaint against the Chief Justice and the judge-in-charge with the Judicial Complaint Authority and Mr. Wynter Kabimba has alleged that the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ)) is being made into a circus and a tool for those in authority (Post Sunday 5, July) raises serious issues about the authority of the judiciary and the liberty of the people. The judiciary in general is a great blessing from God for which Christians should be thankful. Judicial authorities (see Romans 13:1-7
) are God’s servants to carry out His punishment on evildoers. In a country like ours where liberty is limited the judicial are key to strengthening freedom if in their discharge of duties they are driven by the conscious that liberty of the people rooted in that which is good, honest and just is the end and object of their authority.
As Christians we are aware that judges and lawyers are not infallible because they are not God but are appointed from among ourselves, men and women subject to like passions as we are. Therefore, when we see shortcomings in them, we are also led to reflect upon our own. This enables us to bear with them that they are human and not be too severe in our show of disapproval when we think they have missed the mark. The judiciary and lawyers will do well too to appreciate that they are fallible and can genuinely make errors in their judgment. Citizens, however, should raise concern when the judiciary ever express that they are faultless and perfect.
Therefore, our question as Christians as we reflect on this debate is whether the complaint against the judiciary is error in their skill to interpret the law or in the evil of the will. If the complaint is against failure to be faithful to the oath the judicial has bound itself to-protect the innocent citizens, administer punishment, restrain evil and promote peace and justice- we must make proper use of those means that the government has placed in our power.
“Good governance” says Dr Yusufu Turaki of Nigeria “must comply with God’s laws that govern His creation and humanity.” Our role as such is to pray for those in authority that they comply with God’s law and for the protection and healing of our nation. Second, the church must teach Christians how to be good citizens who obey the law of the land and pay their taxes. Churches must encourage Christians to aspire for public office, disciple and counsel them and others in authority about the dangers of excessive power.
Third, the church has a prophetic role to those in authority. The church must rebuke and oppose those in authority when they turn against God’s laws or acts unjustly. The absolute obedience to God led John the Baptist to publicly criticize Herod Antipas for immorality. The obedience cost the life of John. The church in Zambia has often engaged the government in constructive discussions, which have yielded fruitful results. Here is another opportunity. Let us pray that God opens the door to engage government that people whose intentions are selfish do not abuse the debate at hand.
Lawrence Temfwe
