PULPIT OR PLATFORM? …as Zambians blast Catholic priest for turning sermon into political campaign stage
PULPIT OR PLATFORM?
…as Zambians blast Catholic priest for turning sermon into political campaign stage
By DAVID KANDUZA
A FIERCE public backlash has erupted across Zambia following a controversial last Sunday’s sermon by Catholic priest Henry Kabuswe, with citizens, civil society groups and political commentators accusing the cleric of abusing the holy pulpit to run a partisan political campaign.
While the Catholic Church has historically acted as a moral compass for the nation, many Zambians argue that Father Kabuswe’s direct, targeted attack on President Hakainde Hichilema crossed a dangerous line.
Critics claimed the priest transformed a sacred place of worship into an aggressive political rally and an unofficial ballot box, abandoning spiritual teaching to stoke political tensions during a highly sensitive election campaign period.
Social media platforms and local call-in radio programmes were flooded with reactions from citizens expressing deep disappointment in the sermon.
John Luneta wrote: “I experienced this when I wore a red UPND T-shirt and cap during the last elections.. I was told to take it off..I believe I got Lucky and didn’t get slapped because I knew some fellas in that PF crowd so for One to stand at the pulpit and say such things didn’t exist is embarrassing to say the least..”
Many congregants expressed outrage that a religious service was used to launch a targeted political attack and accused the cleric of magnifying regional tensions rather than preaching peace and national unity.
They argued that the sermon sounded less like a moral guidance and more like an official opposition campaign speech.
Ibrahim Kunda said: “The priest is conducting a rally in the Church. Preach the Love of God don’t fight with politicians leave politics to politicians. It’s a pity that the same priest never condemned PF when it killed innocent citizens.”
Commentators noted that sweeping attacks on the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) without evidence safely damage public trust in democratic processes.
Civic leaders have reminded Fr Kabuswe that while he played a vital role in checking governance, using the pulpit to openly de-campaign specific leaders alienates members of the congregation who hold differing political views.
They warned that turning churches into political battlegrounds risks dividing the body of Christ along political party lines.
Evans Mwamba wrote: “When they answer him back he cries ati, batuka ba father.”
As the debate intensifies, calls are growing for the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) to intervene and guide its priests on maintaining pastoral neutrality, ensuring that places of worship remain sanctuaries of peace rather than arenas for electoral warfare.
