Church bodies lament stalemate over late president Lungu’s funeral rites (Video)

Three Church mother bodies have cautioned against turning the ongoing national mourning into a subject of ridicule, expressing concerns over what it termed insensitive public commentaries.

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), and Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) jointly appealed to the public for restraint and compassion, emphasizing that this was a time for dignified mourning of late president Edgar Lingu, not political or social division.

Speaking on behalf of the three Church bodies during a media briefing in Lusaka on Thursday, CCZ General Secretary, Father Emmanuel Chikoya, said the Lungu family needed healing, while the nation required clarity and unity.

“While the public has a right to express opinions, we caution against turning this solemn occasion into a subject of ridicule,” Chikoya said.

“Scripture reminds us that there is a time for everything — and clearly, this is a time for mourning and reflection,” he said.

The Church leaders voiced concern over the uncertainty surrounding the funeral arrangements, stressing that the delay was affecting the national psyche and contributing to a growing sense of confusion.

“It is degrading that the funeral of a former Head of State remains in limbo,” Chikoya stated,“ adding, “This state of uncertainty is affecting the general functioning of the nation, which remains in mourning.”

Chikoya called on both the government and the family to reach a mutual understanding, rooted in respect and national unity.

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“We urge both parties not to view this moment as a personal or political conflict, but rather as a shared national loss. Dr. Lungu served Zambia, and the nation deserves the opportunity to mourn him with dignity,” he said.

Chikoya further reminded the nation that in African cultural tradition, disputes and disagreements were typically resolved after the burial, not during the funeral.

“The funeral period should be marked by respect, harmony, and unity,” he added.

The Church leaders called for a timely and amicable resolution to the funeral arrangements, urging all stakeholders to act with compassion, responsibility, and sensitivity during this period of national bereavement.

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