UP AND CLOSE WITH BISHOP PAUL DUFFY, DIOCESE OF MONGU

The Diocese of Mongu was established on 14th June, 1997 with Bishop Paul Duffy, Omi as its first Bishop. It is situated in the Western province of Zambia, the least developed in the country. Pursuing the option for the poor, Bishop Duffy has been active to speak out for the poor especially challenging the government on issues of development and human rights. Here he gives us his thoughts for next year Tripartite elections in the Country.  

ONL: What are the pastoral orientations this year for the diocese and why are they important to the Christian electorate?

Duffy: The pastoral orientation this year in the diocese is drawn from the Church’s vision on the dignity of every person. This dignity is revealed in all its fullness in the mystery of the incarnate word Jesus Christ. The Church draws attention to the values of the gospel, to the need to promote the dignity of every human being and to respect the basic human rights of each person.

The church stands for justice, liberty, true freedom, a just wage, freedom from unjust laws and harassment and the provision of equitable social services especially education and health services. The Catholic Church will continue to urge all leaders to respect human rights. This duty is part and parcel of its evangelizing work.

ONL: What progress have you recorded in the Mongu Diocese?

Duffy. We explained the republican constitution to the people. As a result they were in a position to bring out contentious issues. They are able to discuss and comment on the mode and adoption of the constitution. Because of our sensitization people were able to contribute to the Constitutional Review Commission. We also sensitized the people of Mongu about Zambia’s external debt and its implications on their daily lives.

ONL: What is your appeal to politicians concerning their mode of campaigning ?

Duffy: Campaigns should be issue based and they should have respect for other people’s views. My appeal to politicians concerning their mode of campaigning is that they should tell the people what they are going to do for the constituency when they will be voted into power. Politics of insults and dishing handouts should not be allowed. They should tell people about how they would work with them to bring sustainable development, which is community based.

ONL: What is your comment concerning candidates that show up during campaigns and dish out food and chitenje materials and once voted into power they disappear?

Duffy: The giving of food and chitenje materials is corruption and it has to be eradicated in political campaigns. Once candidates are voted into power they need to speak on behalf of the electorate and contribute towards the enactment of just laws that will facilitate development in their respective constituencies. For them to know the needs of people in terms of development they need to visit or live with the electorate and use the money to bring developmental projects that will improve the lives of everyone and not just give handouts.   To disappear after you have been put in power shows irresponsibility and selfishness. Such people should not be given a mandate to represent people because it clearly shows that they only want to protect their selfish motives.

ONL: What is your appeal to the electorate as we go to the polls at the end of this year?

Duffy: The electorate should not accept bribes and handouts. They should vote for candidates who have a vision for development.

Everyone should vote, as this is the only weapon they have to select leaders of their choice. It is the constitutional or National duty for every citizen to vote.

ONL: It is said Politics is a dirty game. Do you think that one can be a politician and still be a good Christian?

Duffy: Yes. Politics is about the lives of people. A good Christian will practice justice, promote deeds of social justice, Gospel values and dignity of the human person in all his/her dealings.

ONL: What is your comment to those who maintain that the Catholic Church has been an ally of dictators worldwide?

Duffy: The Catholic Church has always condemned dictatorship but respects legitimate autonomy of democratic order and does not express preference for a particular party.

 

By Fr Cyril Keba and Xeniah Mvunga

 

 

  About Oblates :: History :: Missions :: Leadership :: Personnel :: Formation :: Vocations :: News Archives :: Oblates Radio Liseli News :: OMI CCJP ::  DMDC ::
 OMI Zambia Events :: Drum Beat :: Hospice :: OMI Zambia NewsLetter