Bishop Alick Banda: Leadership is about service

Zambia’s Bishop of Ndola Diocese, Dr. Alick Banda has used his Lenten message to call on politicians to reflect and see leadership as essentially an opportunity for service and sacrifice. 

“As we approach the forthcoming Tripartite General Elections and possibly a Constitutional Referendum, I wish to urge all our political competitors to “put into the deep” and to reflect on Mathew Chapter 4:1-11.  The text gives us a background to understand leadership as service and sacrifice for the people of God who are entrusted to our care.  Thus, those vying for positions of leadership at whatever level should not fall short of sacrifice and service for the betterment of our mother Zambia and the poor who are the majority of our country.”

On 11 August, this year, Zambians are expected to vote in presidential and general elections. The Bishop has also invited the electorate in Zambia to use their vote prudently.

“For the electorate, let us also equally “put into the deep” and examine what we see, what we hear and experience.  Enough are the promises that bridges will be built where there are no rivers.  That there is light at the end of the tunnel when basic indicators have not changed.  Enough are professional politicians who have been to all political clubs and have so far only exhibited politics of the belly.  They failed us in the past and what guarantee do we have now that they will do any better?” Bishop Banda challenged.

With regard to growing political violence in the country that is perpetuated by party cadres, Bishop Banda has called on politicians to be peaceful and desist from inciting violence.

“I call upon the political contestants to endeavour to pursue the will of God in the promotion of justice, peace, reconciliation and unity amongst our people of diverse cultural, tribal, religious and political persuasions.  We should be concerned not to incite hateful speech and hooliganism,” Bishop Banda said.
The Catholic Church all over the world over is marking six weeks of Lent. This is a period used as a preparation for the great feast of Easter. During these six weeks of Lent, the Church encourages the faithful to be more prayerful, make the extra effort to be  more charitable towards others, read Scripture, fast and give alms. 

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