The Catholic Church in Zambia on Friday said it does not support homosexuality.
Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) president Bishop George Lungu said on Friday: “Let me restate categorically that Catholic teaching does not promote homosexuality. Homosexual acts are seriously wrong and sinful. Under no circumstances can homosexual acts be approved.”
Bishop Lungu on one hand said: ‘The fact that the Catholic Church makes a distinction between the homosexual act and homosexual orientation or inclination is not promoting homosexuality. Homosexuals are human beings with their problems and their joys, that as human beings they deserve respect, even though they have this inclination, and must not be discriminated against because of it. Respect for man and woman is absolutely fundamental and decisive.”
Bishop Lungu’s remarks are contained in a letter which will be read in all Catholic parishes in Zambia on June 5, 2011.
Bishop Lungu also accused the Zambian government of sponsoring attacks on the church. He said that since all public media are owned and controlled by government, ‘we can safely conclude that these attacks on our Church are sponsored by government.
He contended that attacking Catholics is not the way to win the Catholic vote.
And the Human Rights Commission of Zambia has said homosexuality in the country should not be allowed.
Human rights commission spokesperson Samuel Kasankha explained on QFM
radio that though in some countries homosexuality is considered as a
right, the Zambian culture does not allow it.
Kasankha said it is
clear that the Zambian culture does not support same-sex relationships
and that the Commission does not therefore see any reason to campaign
for such relationships.
He said legalizing homosexuality in the country will be going against the Christian nation declaration.