Church Appeals for Healing and Unity Amid Ongoing Lungu Funeral Dispute
The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) has broken its silence on the impasse surrounding the funeral of Zambia’s sixth Republican President, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, urging both the government and the Lungu family to put aside their differences in the interest of national unity and healing.
Speaking at a media briefing, the CCZ expressed deep concern over the prolonged uncertainty around the late president’s burial, which was initially scheduled for June 18 but has since been postponed following a breakdown in communication between the State and the family.
“This state of uncertainty is affecting the general functioning of the nation which remains in mourning,” the council noted. “We urge both parties to find common ground in the spirit of mutual respect.”
The Church emphasized that the late President Lungu served the country and deserves a dignified and nationally coordinated send-off. “The grief experienced by the family is shared by the entire nation. This is not a private loss it is a national one,” the Church said, calling for the burial to be free of contention and mockery.
The CCZ also condemned the rise of insensitive public commentary and online ridicule, warning Zambians not to turn a solemn period into an arena for jokes. Citing Ecclesiastes 4, the Church reminded the public that this is “a time for mourning, not for firing savours at each other or making fun.”
Addressing concerns about its silence, the Church clarified that it has been active both publicly and behind the scenes, offering conciliatory counsel to both the Lungu family and government officials.
“There are respected clergy working to facilitate dialogue. Mediation is ongoing, even if not every pastor is on the front line,” the statement said.
Responding to questions on whether the Church felt undermined, the CCZ explained that counseling is a delicate process, and the decision ultimately lies with those being counseled. “The Church is not being undermined—we are doing our part, and we remain hopeful that a compromise will be reached.”
The council did, however, caution against the confusion caused by conflicting press statements and information leaks. It praised the UPND Secretary General’s recent directive for party members to refrain from unauthorized public commentary and encouraged both government and the Lungu family to speak only through designated representatives.
“We all come from African families. There is always a family spokesperson. Let’s maintain that culture and avoid unnecessary agitation,” the CCZ advised.
The Church concluded its appeal with a heartfelt message: “The Lungu family needs healing. The government needs healing. Zambia as a nation needs healing. May God grant us peace and help us remain anchored in our national values of unity, love, and harmony.”
As the standoff over the late president’s final rites continues, the Church has positioned itself as a moral anchor, calling for restraint, dialogue, and dignity at a time when the country needs it most.
Amen ba church, your voice is better late than never, it would have been far better had this government that wants to take over his burial without the families blessings be reminded earlier by the church that they didn’t pay for ECLs medication abroad, matter of fact ECL was denied three times to travel for medical purposes like peter denied Jesus before he was crucified, would have lungu lived longer if he had gotten his medication on time, I suppose we will never know. R.I.P ECL
I approve this message
There some people who want to make the late president and his family bigger than Zambia and the state…….., that is not the case
And with the country and state comes state protocols, functions and security which can not be bend to suit the lungus……..
If anything, the family should have stopped mr lungu being president, because the moment he swore the oath of the land …….
He represented all Zambians, by precedent in life and death , all under the normal protocols, functions and security of the state in times of national mourning……..
From when he took oath , he was no longer a common man……..
FWD2031
@ spaka did you know that it is not mandatory for bally to be the first to see the remains of the late ECL, matter of fact it isn’t mandatory that he should be anywhere near his body, if the family does not want him anywhere near the body, be it a state funeral, he can still delegate who can represent the government.
What’s shocking us all are the rumours surrounding the returning of ECLs body and how bally had intended to receive the body without the consent of the family which was also raised by shishuwa
Why does the new dawn want to hijack the funeral so so badly, mama Esther Lungu,we wait to hear from you twapapata
Message approved
Breaker
That is not true……..
At no time did the president want to the first to see that late lungu…….
Just wait for GRZ response to ka shushuwas story telling…….
FWD2031
Lungu would turn in his grave if Bally was the first
That should not happen out of respect
Where have you seen a militia like the PF caders providing security at a state funeral,…..
are you mad. ???
Or state security letting large crowds of PF caders into the airport ???
Are you mad ??
FWD2031
Chief Hijacking Officer – no chance
Makebi Zulu and Esther Lungu consulted a powerful Sangoma in kwaZulu Natal the day after Chagwa kicked the bucket, he advised them that Lungu will arise from the departed on June 20! The trick being that his soul when it returns wants to find him laying in the same place where it eluded him. So all this story about differences with government is hogwash!
Liar coward calling himself Dukakis. Even his family knows him kuti ni mbuli
Helemia
You are a big coward of a man for using multiple aliases…..
FWD2031
Hmm! Maybe it’s a coup by way of jumping out of the coffin on arrival and saying he is the chosen one before dancing dununa reverse. Is the death certificate there?