Are ‘Christian Nations’ Less Corrupt? Not In This Case.
LUSAKA, Zambia — Christopher Mwembe, a practicing Catholic, grew up in Chipata, a city on the border between Zambia and Malawi. Growing up, he recalled that at almost every political rally he attended, the church was present.
Even after he later moved to the capital, Lusaka, clergymen remained heavily involved in the politics of the day. Their participation ranged from offering prayers to exhorting and extending VIP treatment.
“The church is very active in politics and their involvement shapes voting choices,” Mwembe said. “The church speaks about God, respect for leaders and praying for the country. This is despite the very crowd being addressed is struggling to make ends meet.”
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The Movement for Multi-Party Democracy came to power in 1991 under the leadership of Frederick Chiluba, an outspoken Christian. During his presidency, Chiluba declared Zambia “a Christian nation,” arguing that more than 70 percent of the population professed to be Christians and that this declaration would help eliminate corruption and promote national prosperity.
Today, Zambia has the largest share of Christians of any African country, according to Business Insider, with 95.5% of the population. Zambia is also one of the few countries with Christianity in the constitution as the country’s religion. More than three decades after Zambia formally declared itself a Christian nation, the designation continues to shape the country’s politics, governance and public life in ways that reach far beyond theology.
“President Chiluba envisioned that declaring Zambia a Christian nation would ensure governance rooted in the righteous principles of the Word of God, allowing justice and righteousness to prevail at every level of authority and ultimately exalt the nation through God’s righteousness,” said theologian Harrison Silomba.
But experts say that hasn’t happened. Silomba said the declaration remained a hollow religio-political statement, as it has not been translated into practice.
Chiluba, after leaving office in 2002, was a subject of a long investigation and trial in connection with alleged corruption that bled the country from millions of dollars. He was eventually acquitted in 2009. Since then, many politicians have found the law handy in their political messaging.
Successive leaders have invoked religious language to bolster legitimacy, court voters and frame national debates on morality, corruption and social order. During recent election cycles, church bodies act as both mediators and power brokers, shaping public opinion while claiming neutrality.
Presidents Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda and Michael Sata employed Christian rhetoric more moderately than Chiluba, but maintained varying levels of collaboration with the church. Sata was among the politicians who clearly illustrated the close relationship between the church and politics, as religious leaders openly supported him during both his presidential campaign and his tenure in office.
Silomba said that, despite the constitutional foundation for church-state relations, the high levels of corruption, widespread poverty and the limited rights afforded to certain groups fall far short of the Christian ideals and values that the declaration is meant to uphold.
“Human rights abuses and corruption have become serious challenges for the modern Zambian society,” he said. “Many young people do not have economic opportunities, and social inequalities are increasing. In a Christian nation which is identified as such, at least equal opportunities must exist.”
Many voices have urged the country to reaffirm its status as a Christian nation by steering clear of laws that might compromise its identity. Zambia holds its general elections in August. In the last election, the ruling political party’s manifesto for the general election had Christian rhetoric — and residents can likely expect more of the same this time around.
Pastor Harry Mumba stressed the importance of allowing every Zambian the chance to engage in conversations about the nation’s welfare.
“Everyone needs a chance to speak about their country without harassment or coercion,” he said. “In the past, we have seen some political intolerance towards young people or members of the opposition. Such characteristics are not of Zambia, a country we pray for its blessings every day.”
Calvin Manika is an award-winning international journalist based in Zimbabwe.