Explain the roles of the church (religion) in politics and state governance in the post colonial period with practical examples with reference to Zambia's political landscape.

Answer 1

In the post-colonial period, the church has played a significant role in politics and state governance in Zambia. One of the key roles of the church in politics has been to advocate for social justice and the protection of human rights. The church has also been involved in providing moral guidance to political leaders and holding them accountable for their actions.

A practical example of the church's involvement in politics in Zambia is the role it played in advocating for multi-party democracy in the early 1990s. The Zambian churches, through the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC), were instrumental in advocating for democratic reforms and the end of one-party rule under President Kenneth Kaunda. The church played a key role in mobilizing civil society and the general populace to push for political change.

The church has also been active in promoting good governance and transparency in Zambia. The Zambia Council of Churches (ZCC) has been vocal in calling out corruption and advocating for accountability among political leaders. The church has also been involved in promoting peace and reconciliation in times of political turmoil, such as during the post-election violence in 2016.

Overall, the church in Zambia has played a significant role in shaping the political landscape and promoting democratic values. Its involvement in politics has been crucial in holding political leaders accountable and advocating for the rights and welfare of the people.