Clergy Criticize Oasis Forum,
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 --- (25-11-2025) --- Ninety clergy and church leaders from Lusaka, Kafue, and Chongwe, together with the Evangelical Youth Alliance (EYA), have criticised the Oasis Forum and sections of the Catholic Church for calling for nationwide protests against President Hakainde Hichilema amd warned that such actions risk fuelling instability.
Speaking at a press conference in Lusaka, Rev. Moses Lungu, Executive Director of EYA, read a joint statement on behalf of the clergy. He said the Church has a duty to “speak truth to power,” but this must be done in a way that promotes unity, dialogue, and national cohesion.
Rev. Lungu said it is “unfair and misleading” to blame the President alone for Zambia’s challenges. He noted that many issues have deep historical roots and require collective national effort to resolve.
The clergy commended President Hichilema for extending “an olive branch” to the Oasis Forum by inviting them for dialogue on the proposed constitutional amendments. They urged the Forum and other stakeholders to engage in the process peacefully and lawfully.
Rev. Lungu cautioned against exploiting public distress to push hidden political agendas or support preferred candidates. He said the presidency is an institution that deserves respect, and all actions should prioritize national unity and development.
The church leaders warned that attempts to block public participation or escalate confrontations under the guise of protest could lead to disorder.
“Stopping people from participating or promoting protests can lead to anarchy,” Rev. Lungu said. He urged citizens to act responsibly and embrace peaceful engagement when expressing dissent.
The statement also questioned the Oasis Forum’s decision to abandon its court process after previously seeking judicial intervention on the same constitutional issues. The clergy said this raised “legitimate concerns about consistency and motive.”
Rev. Lungu also criticised certain outspoken Catholic bishops, saying their comments “do not mean well and dent the image of their institution.” He called on church leadership to reconsider their position and encourage dialogue, maturity, and respect in national discourse.
He commended the Oasis Forum for choosing dialogue over protests. “They should present their side of the story while listening to the state’s perspective and be willing to agree to disagree,” he said.
The clergy concluded by urging Zambians to support government-led dialogue, resolve national challenges through peaceful and constructive methods, and respect the Presidency. They also called on all church leaders to continue promoting responsible citizenship and national cohesion.
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