Political Researcher Cephas Mukuka has warned some politicians attacking the Church to desist from doing so because they may need its voice in future.

Recently, the Felix Mutati-led MMD youth Prince Ndoyi condemned the action by the three Church mother bodies to proceed with the consultative dialogue meeting without the involvement of other political parties.

Ndoyi accused the leaders of the three Church mother bodies of driving an opposition agenda.

But in a statement, Mukuka, who is also spokesperson for the Nevers Mumba-led MMD, observed that the three Church mother bodies had come under fire and vicious attacks from some sections of society.

He added that these attacks were unfortunate because the Church had been the mouthpiece for the silent majority.

“These attacks are very unfortunate to say the least. People should get into political history and see what the Church has been doing for the politicians and the citizenry at large. The Church has been the mouthpiece for the silent majority. This is actually a global trend without debate. People attacking the Church are doing it out of greed and selfishness without shame,” Mukuka charged.

He noted that the Church was actually a serious stakeholder in national issues.

“When we look at things critically, we see that the Church is actually a serious stakeholder in national issues. The Roman Catholic Church has serious investments in the agricultural, health and education sectors, among many other investments across the nation. Equally, the UCZ, Seventh Day Adventist and the Anglican Church, among few others, have followed suit with similar investments. The Church has gone a further mile to establish orphanages, this they do to compliment and supplement government efforts with joy,” he explained.

Mukuka urged individuals attacking the Church to immediately stop, saying it had been instrumental in issues of peace and dialogue, and that its critics may need the Church’s voice in future.

“History shows us that the Church has been instrumental in issues of peace and dialogue. People attacking the Church should stop as soon as possible. The Church has universal influence, which cannot be ignored at all. People attacking the Church, today, may need the voice of the Church tomorrow. It’s like those who rubbish the media when in power, and once they lose power, they look for the media to voice out so as to be heard. Examples can go on and on just to show us the power and influence of the Church,” he narrated.

Mukuka observed that fighting the Church always left culprits in great pain and anguish.

He, therefore, urged Zambians to work with the Church.

“The Church speaks from a sacred platform whereas politicians and several others speak from other sources. Fighting the Church is a risky battle, which always leaves culprits in great pain and anguish! The Church does not report to man, but God. God will always defend and protect his Church from such attacks as seen in Zambia of late. These attacks are unholy and should end henceforth without any delay,” appealed Mukuka.

“In Malawi, Zaire (DRC) and Nigeria, we had leaders who tried to fight the Church, but ended badly. Most recently, former President of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma, picked up a quarrel with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The Archbishop said one word, and that was to pray Zuma out of office, and surely, it took place! We all need the Church for salvation, guidance, counselling and direction. Let’s work with the Church and not antagonise her.”

Meanwhile, MMD national secretary Raphael Nakacinda in his party’s New Year message to the nation, cautioned Church leaders to stop promoting illegalities by dealing with individuals who were not legally recognized by institutions of governance.