EVANGELICAL Fellowship of Zambia executive director, Bishop Andrew Mwenda has rejected the decision of burying former president Edgar Lungu outside his home country, declaring it as a direct contradiction to biblical teachings that goes against the very fabric of faith.
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Bishop Mwenda declared that to bury a president, a father figure of the nation in a foreign country is also contrary to the country’s values and cultural norms.
“This is not just a legal issue, but a spiritual and moral one. We must honour our leaders and uphold the sanctity of our land,” Bishop Mwenda stated.
Speaking when he appeared on Diamond Tv programme dubbed “COSTA” last evening, Bishop Mwenda appealed to the Lungu family to bring the remains of the late president Lungu back to Zambia, citing the importance of honoring the country’s deceased leader.
He stated that no matter the obstacles, it is the country’s duty to give Lungu a proper burial on the Zambian soil.
The clergyman said Lungu deserves to be laid to rest in the land that gave him the honour of being president and the land he loved and fought for.
Bishop Mwenda proposed that President Hakainde Hichilema should consider stepping aside during the funeral proceedings, so as to respect the wishes of the Lungu family and facilitate a respectful burial for his predecessor.
“If it will take the President Hichilema not to be present at the funeral for the family to return the remains of Lungu, then we ask him to compromise and respect those wishes,” he said.
Bishop Mwenda emphasised the importance of resolving differences and fostering a sense of reconciliation between the Lungu family and the government.
“It is essential that we work towards healing the rift between the Lungu family and the government, we must not allow bitterness and resentment…but instead, we must strive to find common ground and mutual understanding,” he said.
“This is not just a matter of legal or political issues, it is a matter of the soul of our nation.”
Bishop Mwenda further implored Zambians to demonstrate patience and sensitivity towards the Lungu family in this trying time, acknowledging their loss and pain they are experiencing.
He urged citizens to set aside any differences and embrace this opportunity for national reconciliation.
Bishop Mwenda also reiterated the commitment of the church to continue promoting love, peace and unity within the country, stating that it will not allow this moment of national mourning to become a source of division.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba June 23, 2025
