Speak to State, Church advises Opposition

CATHOLIC Church Archbishop and Apostolic Nuncio in Zambia, Nicola Girasoli, says opposition political parties and civil society organisations should not shun dialogue with Government to iron out differences and promote unity.

Archbishop Girasoli said dialogue entails looking to the future and not to be restrained by the past. He said this in Lusaka April 25 at a reception held at his residence to mark the fourth anniversary of the Pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI.

“True dialogue means to look forward and not to be restrained by the past. Zambia needs to look forward. This concretely means that Government and opposition parties, as well as the civil society have to do their best to remove all kinds of prejudices,” he said.

Archbishop Nicola said Zambians should always encourage dialogue in whatever form to develop the culture of sharing knowledge.

“That is why every initiative to dialogue should be welcomed. Today, I humbly appeal to the opposition, to civil society groups and churches to never shun dialogue with Government and public institutions,” he said.

Archbishop Girasoli said the church and Government have one common purpose of serving the people although in different ways. He said different points of view are an enrichment for democracy and that the best way to overcome differences and strengthen unity among people is through dialogue.

The Archbishop said only a stable political climate can foster economic growth and socio-cultural development.

“This also means to acknowledge or to admit a mistake is never a sign of weakness, but always a sign of democracy and maturity,” he said.

He commended President Banda’s Government for committing itself to poverty reduction and the fight against corruption. He said Government should continue putting measures in place to achieve a more visible fight against corruption and enhanced poverty reduction as the best way to promote equitable development in the country.

He said the aim of the Catholic Church and other denominations is to always be the voice for the voiceless, the poorest, homeless, sick and to support those who have lost hope for a better future. He said the church will always remain a prophetic voice.

Archbishop Girasoli said politics should always belong to politicians and generally to society. He said in social issues, churches should be the guardian of human rights and avoid any kind of involvement in partisan political debates.

“Churches are called to promote, to protect and to defend human dignity. We all know that human rights are not negotiable. We can negotiate everything except human rights,” he said.

Archbishop Girasoli said the Vatican has continued to enjoy cordial relations with Zambia and that all institutional personalities at various levels in the country have continued to acknowledge the support the Catholic Church offers to Zambians, irrespective of their religious affiliation.

He said the Catholic Church is well known for its contribution to the socio-economic needs of society as demonstrated by the growing number of hospitals, clinics, hospices and schools, including the newly established Zambian Catholic University in Kalulushi.

And Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati said Government will remain committed to its promise of fighting poverty.

“I want to assure you that Government remains committed to this pledge. We are working towards making health and education facilities more accessible to as many Zambians as possible,” he said.

Mr Mutati said Government looks forward to continued cooperation with the Catholic Church in vital areas of development, especially poverty eradication.

The minister said the commitment of Pope Benedict XVI to the service of humankind is admirable.

Mr Mutati said through the Catholic Church, Government sees the Pope’s messages of hope reaching out to the poor, less privileged, sick and other vulnerable people in society.

He said Government appreciates the Catholic Church’s contribution to education and health through construction of schools and health institutions in Zambia.