‘Don’t place Zambia in jeopardy,’ Catholic church restates opposition to Bill 7, urges MPs to ‘listen to voice of God’

The Catholic Church in Lusaka has urged Members of Parliament to listen to the voice of God as the National Assembly prepares to sit on Monday for a landmark session to deliberate on proposed constitutional amendments under Bill 7.

In a pastoral letter issued on Sunday, the Lusaka Catholic Archdiocese called on lawmakers to act with prudence and conscience as Parliament convenes for a special sitting summoned by Speaker Nelly Mutti to consider the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7.

The proposed amendments have attracted widespread attention and controversy, with the Oasis Forum — whose members include the Catholic Church — calling for a boycott of the process, accusing the government of adopting an “illegal” procedure to effect constitutional changes.

Despite the backlash, Bill 7 is scheduled for second reading during the special session, even as the Patriotic Front (PF) has called on its Members of Parliament to abstain from the deliberations.

In its statement issued on Sunday, the Archdiocese stressed that the Constitution of Zambia belongs to the people and accused the government of unilaterally initiating an unconstitutional process.

“The Constitution of Zambia belongs to the people of Zambia, but this time around the government has at its own behest solely initiated an illegal constitutional amendment process which is aimed at consolidating and perpetuating government rule,” the statement said.

The Church warned that the decisions taken at this moment would have far-reaching consequences for the country.

“The decisions made in this moment will mark a huge structural shift in the nation’s political history and will echo through generations, shaping the destiny of Zambia in unprecedented ways and manner,” it said.

Addressing the faithful and citizens of goodwill, the Church described the moment as critical in the country’s political journey.

“Dear beloved brothers and sisters in Christ and all citizens of good will, Zambia stands at a watershed moment of history in its political trajectory,” the statement read.

The Archdiocese noted that during the third week of Advent 2025, and specifically on Monday, December 15, Members of Parliament would gather in a special sitting to deliberate on the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7, which seeks to amend the Constitution of the Republic of Zambia.

The Church called on citizens to actively engage their elected representatives.

“We, therefore, call upon all the faithful and people of goodwill to urge their Members of Parliament, within their respective constituencies, to act with prudence and refrain from any actions that could place our nation in jeopardy,” it said.

It further appealed for national prayers.

“We also ask the faithful and all people of goodwill to join in prayer for our country, that the spirit of peace, unity, and justice may prevail,” the statement said.

The Church specifically prayed for lawmakers to act with conscience and humility.

Read more: If BILL 7 is forced through, constitutional dictatorship and illegality will be born, by a threat to democratic space.

“We also pray for our Members of Parliament, that they may discern wisely, listen to the voice of God, and remember that they are servants of the people, and not of self- and personal interest,” it stated.

The Archdiocese added that the deliberations should be guided by integrity and responsibility.

“We pray that the deliberations of our Members of Parliament on this matter may be guided by humility, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility, knowing that posterity will judge the choices they make today,” it said.

“In this regard, we pray for the Holy Spirit to inspire our MPs to uphold the dignity of every Zambian, protect the vulnerable, and strengthen the bonds of our national family.”

The Archdiocese of Lusaka reminded leaders that true leadership is service.

“True leadership is service, and service must always be rooted in love, justice, and truth,” the statement said.

“May the Lord bless Zambia, guide her leaders, and grant wisdom to all who carry the weight of this sacred responsibility,” it stated.

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