An investigation on the declaration of Zambia as a christian nation and its contribution to peace and conflict resolution.

Abstract

There are serious concerns from many Zambians about the original intent and purpose of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation. Further there are observed divisions within Christianity and with other religions in Zambia today as a result of the declaration. This study therefore aimed at investigating the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation and its contribution to peace and conflict resolution. The objectives of the study were to: ascertain whether the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation has contributed to peace and conflict resolution, investigate the relationship between the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation and the Church, identify challenges faced in the implementation of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation, and suggest possible solutions to the challenges. In order to achieve this, two theories guided the study- the liberal peace theory which emphasises that reconciliation is fundamental in order to get people living together in a long term peace, and the Church-State relationship theory which questions whether or not the state has an obligation to give a privileged position to one religion over others. The study sample comprised study sample comprised 30 participants consisting of 9 officials from the three Church Mother bodies; the EFZ, CCZ and ZCCB, 12 officials from the Civil Society Organizations, and 9 officials from the three major political parties; MMD , UPND and PF who were purposefully selected. The study employed a qualitative research design using qualitative approaches of data collection and analysis. The data was collected using interview guide and was analyzed thematically. The study findings revealed among others that, the three church mother bodies have not fully accepted the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation from its inception. It was also revealed that the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation was just a mere statement and had no impact on peace and conflict resolution in Zambia. Basing on the study findings the following recommendations are made that: the Church should be consulted whenever it came to policies that hinge on religious matters; there should be consensus among the Church mother bodies when it comes to the implementation of the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation since there are several denominations in Zambia; the law or constitution should be left unique as it is aimed at protecting all Zambians regardless of their religious or political inclinations - it should not be manipulated to promote religious differences.