Catholic is neither with opposition or ruling side, it’s on the side of the weak – Caritas Zambia

Caritas Zambia has clarified that the Catholic […]

Caritas Zambia has clarified that the Catholic Church is neither aligned with the opposition not rulling party but stands on the side of the weak and those facing injustice in society.

In an interview with Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Caritas Zambia Executive Director, Fr. Gabriel Mapulanga said politicians have a tendency of turning to the church for political support during campaigns.

“Politicians have a tendency of using the church in one way or another, and it can be both opposition and also those in the ruling,” said Fr. Mapulanga.

He noted that politicians often become more committed to the church when seeking votes but tend to disappear once elections are over.

“When it is time for campaign, they become very good and we have observed that then, afterwards, they tend to forget and do their own things,” said Fr. Mapulanga.

The clergy said the perception that the Catholic Church supports opposition political parties largely stems from its continued advocacy for justice and the less privileged.

“The Catholic Church is actually not on their side, per se because the Catholic Church is on the side of the weak in society,” he said.

Fr. Mapulanga added that opposition politicians sometimes identify with the Church because its message of justice resonates with people who feel disadvantaged or treated unfairly.

“We are not supporting them as a political party, but we are supporting people who seem to be treated unjustly,” he said.

The Caritas Zambia Executive Director said the Church maintains the same principles regardless of which political party is in power.

“Those who are in power, even if they come to church, we treat them the same, we challenge them, and we encourage them,” said Fr. Mapulanga.

He further warned politicians against exploiting the Church for political or personal interests, saying such behaviour can divide society.

“I appeal to the politicians not to use the church for their selfish means but let them use the church properly, not for selfish motives,” said Fr Mapulanga.

He told ZBT that the Catholic Church will continue defending the underprivileged even when doing so is perceived as opposition to those in government.

“Our principles remain the same and when they lose power, we will still support them, or we will still use our principle, which will look like we are supporting them,” said Fr. Mapulanga.

By Philip Sinkala