Keep Politics Out of the Pulpit

Lungu says no Gift is Worth the Church’s Integrity, Clergy Warned Against Political Favours

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24, (9th October 2025)— Reverend Moses Lungu has called on the clergy to keep politics out of the pulpit, urging church leaders to reject political favours and gifts that could compromise the church’s integrity.

Addressing the media in Lusaka, Rev. Lungu who is also Evangelical Youths International (EYI) president warned that the growing trend of accepting money, vehicles, or other benefits from politicians erodes the moral authority of the church and diminishes public trust.

“Before receiving anything from a politician, whether money or property, we must verify its source,” he said. 

“If those gifts are linked to corruption, they destroy our reputation and discredit the church in the eyes of the people.”

Rev. Lungu commended President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND administration for their continued efforts to curb corruption, saying the recent convictions of former government officials demonstrate progress in restoring accountability.

“These convictions are evidence of the deep corruption that existed before,” he said. “Public resources meant for education and health were diverted into private pockets while ordinary citizens suffered.”

He cautioned that the church risks losing its moral standing if its leaders continue associating with corrupt individuals.

“When the church soils its hands, it loses the moral voice to guide the nation,” he said. “Who will mediate between the politicians and the people if the church itself is compromised?”

Rev. Lungu further condemned the politicisation of the pulpit, stressing that the clergy’s mission is to provide spiritual guidance, not political endorsements.

“Our calling is to preach salvation, not politics,” he said. “We are commanded to pray for those in authority, not to seek personal favours from them.”

He added that accepting questionable gifts could even expose some church leaders to prosecution.

“Some of these gifts are proceeds of crime. No gift is worth losing your integrity or facing imprisonment,” he warned.

Rev. Lungu concluded by appealing to bishops, pastors, and other clergy members to uphold the sanctity of their calling.

“Let us resist the temptation of material gain,” he said. “The church must remain above reproach and reclaim its place as the moral compass of the nation.”