Anglicans disown priest

 

By ALEX NJOVU

 

THE Zambia Anglican Council (ZAC) says Anglican priest Richard Luonde’s association with the red card campaign does not represent its position.
The church has also dismissed Father Luonde’s insinuations that it has no good working relations with the government.
ZAC general secretary Rogers Banda said his church has distanced itself from the pronouncements attributed to Fr Luonde of Kitwe in the press yesterday.
Reverend Banda said Fr Luonde’s statement should be considered as his personal views, and not of the Anglican Church in Zambia.
Fr Luonde was quoted as calling on Zambians to continue flashing red cards at President Banda and the MMD government for allegedly failing the nation.
“The church has a good working relationship with the government of the day, as recently witnessed by the presence of President Banda as guest of honour at the National Centenary Celebrations church service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross on 31st October, 2010.
“The celebrations were also attended by His Honour the Vice-President, George Kunda, first President Dr K D Kaunda, and the second President, Dr F T J Chiluba. This testifies the good and cordial working relationship the church has with the government,” Rev Banda said.
He said being a democratic country, Zambia holds elections for people to choose their leaders, and not through the red card campaigns.
“The Zambia Anglican Council believes that elections are the only constitutional means available.
Ultimately, we stand by the teaching in the Scriptures that all leaders are chosen by God, Romans 13:1. Therefore, our role is to pray for them to lead the country with wisdom, 1 Timothy 2:1-2. It is not our role to select leaders on behalf of the people,” Rev Banda said.