The House of Bishops of the Zambia Anglican Council has declared that the pulpit is too sacred to be used for politics, insisting that churches must not become platforms for political campaigning ahead of the country’s 2026 tripartite elections.
In a pastoral statement issued on May 29, 2026, the bishops reaffirmed that church buildings are first and foremost houses of prayer and should not be turned into arenas for political contestation.
According to the church leaders, while politicians and public office holders are welcome to attend worship services as guests, they will not be permitted to make political speeches or campaign addresses during church gatherings.
The bishops also prohibited the use of consecrated church property for political meetings, campaigns, or partisan mobilisation, stressing that the Church must remain focused on its spiritual mandate.
The Bishops further reminded members of the clergy to remain non-partisan in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that although individual Christians have the right to participate in politics, such involvement should never be carried out under the banner of the Church.
The statement urged political leaders to respect the sanctity of worship spaces and refrain from actions that could undermine the peaceful atmosphere of church gatherings.
The bishops also appealed to political actors to avoid encouraging violence or engaging in activities capable of threatening national peace and unity as the country approaches the elections.
In addition, they called on the Zambia Police Service to carry out its duties fairly and impartially before, during and after the electoral process.
Emphasising the need for peace, unity and righteous leadership, the bishops encouraged citizens to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the election period.
Quoting 1 Corinthians 16:14, they said, “Let all that you do be done in love.”
The church leaders maintained that the mission of the Church is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and not to serve the interests of any political party or candidate.
The pastoral letter was signed by the House of Bishops of the Zambia Anglican Council, including the
Most Rev. Dr. Albert Chama of the Diocese of Lusaka,
the Rt. Rev. John Kafwanka of the Diocese of Northern Zambia,
the Rt. Rev. Dennis Milanzi of the Diocese of Eastern Zambia,
the Rt. Rev. Japhet Ponda of the Diocese of Luapula, and
the Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chikoya of the Diocese of Central Zambia.
