The Editor Zambia
The Church has an indispensable role in every democracy.
It must defend justice, uphold truth, comfort the afflicted, and challenge those in authority whenever genuine wrongdoing occurs. That moral responsibility deserves respect. 
Equally, however, such authority demands accuracy, balance, and restraint. When the pulpit becomes a platform for scare mongering and sweeping political conclusions unsupported by evidence, it risks deepening anxiety rather than strengthening the nation.
Archbishop Ignatius Chama is at it again. This time, his comparison of present-day Zambia to the trembling kingdom of Judah is a powerful biblical metaphor, but it is one that requires equally compelling evidence.
Political rhetoric, however eloquent, should never be mistaken for objective national reality. If Zambia were truly descending into widespread fear and lawlessness, the evidence would be unmistakable.
Yet political parties continue to campaign openly across the country. Public rallies are being held. Citizens engage in vigorous political debate daily on radio, television, and social media. Civil society organisations continue to operate. Religious bodies freely issue statements critical of the government without being silenced. These are not the hallmarks of a nation living under universal terror.
The NRPUP Tonse- Pamodzi Alliance presidential candidate Brian Mundubile is on record telling the public during a radio interview that his team has had peaceful campaign s wherever they have been. It is, therefore, strange and regrettable that Bishop Chama wants to paint a black picture to deliberately injure authority out of personal hate.
The Archbishop cites the regrettable tragic death of Nelson Chikumbi, the police, and deservedly so instituted impartial investigation for justice to prevail through the courts.
Agreed, no Zambian should ever lose their life because of political differences. Yet it would be both unfair and irresponsible to transform one criminal allegation into proof that an entire nation has become the biblical Kingdom of Judah. Democracies are judged by their institutions’ response to crime, not by isolated incidents alone.
The Archbishop rightly urges citizens to reject tribalism and elect leaders who protect freedoms. On that principle, there should be universal agreement. But the Church must also avoid language capable of convincing citizens that violence is inevitable when there is still every opportunity for peaceful, constitutional elections.
History teaches that fear can become a self- fulfilling prophecy. When influential voices repeatedly predict national collapse without proportionate evidence, they risk creating the very panic they seek to prevent.
Responsible leadership should calm emotions while encouraging vigilance, not magnify apprehension.
Zambia has overcome economic hardship, constitutional disputes, political transitions, and severe drought without abandoning its democratic foundations. The country’s resilience lies in its institutions, its people, and its enduring commitment to peaceful transfers of power through the ballot box.
The forthcoming election should, therefore, be decided not by fear, prophecy, or emotional comparisons with ancient kingdoms but by sober assessment of policies, competence, leadership, and measurable results.
Faith should inspire hope. Democracy should encourage informed choice. Neither should be built upon narratives that portray an entire nation as trembling when millions of Zambians continue to live, work, worship, and prepare peacefully to exercise their democratic right to vote.
The greatest service both Church and State can render Zambia today is not to amplify fear but to strengthen confidence that justice, peace, and democracy remain stronger than political anxiety.
