Don’t use pulpit to endorse politicians, CCZ tells clergy

THE Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has called on members of the clergy to refrain from using the pulpit to endorse political parties or candidates as the country approaches elections.

CCZ general secretary Fr James Phiri said the pulpit should remain reserved for preaching the word of God and not be turned into a platform for advancing political interests.

Fr Phiri warned that introducing politics into sermons risks dividing congregants, as church members hold differing political views.

He emphasised that the Church’s role is to offer moral guidance, foster unity and uphold spiritual truth within society.

He further encouraged congregants to recognise that heritage is not only defined by one’s origins, but also by the direction one takes in life.

Fr Phiri added that the Church’s mission continues to shine as a guiding light, with its influence reaching beyond the Garden Congregation to the broader nation.