Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection

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In the Video we share some of our Works

In the Video, Fr. Emmanuel Mumba S.J. the Executive Director of JCTR shares some of the works. CLICK HERE to watch the other videos of the JCTR works

When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one to them as well. (Matthew 5:39)

Let us Pray and Fast
As the National Day of Prayer and Fasting draws near, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection wishes to call the whole nation to reflect on the culture of political violence that has taken root in Zambia. The JCTR joins in the sorrow of the family of Lawrence Banda who died in the unnecessary political violence in Kaoma Local government Elections. It further condemns political violence in all its forms and regardless of the perpetrator, and at the same time, reiterates that this wanton loss of life could have been avoided had the late not been ferried to Kaoma where he was not eligible to vote.
Cause of political violence – ferrying of political cadres and poverty
The fact that the deceased comes from a high density, low income residential suburb should be food for thought, for it can be a demonstration that political leaders exploit the vulnerable unemployed youth whom they use as fodder for their political canons. ReadMore

POLITICAL VIOLENCE NEGATING HUMAN DIGNITY

When did it become a norm to lose young lives in electoral violence? Violence that can be avoided. While people would say that a mob is only the voice of madness, not the voice of the people, in Zambia, it is the manifestation of Zambian Christianity. It is sad that a nation that proudly announces itself a Christian one should have images characteristic of a nation at WAR. The images of law enforcers in battle dress show that Zambians do not acknowledge the moral authority of the bible for it is difficult to imagine a true Christian who is ready to inflict pain on their neighbor. The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection is appalled by this betrayal of Christian values and condemns the electoral violence that has not only hit Kaoma but has become part of Zambian political culture.
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EQUAL REPRESENTATION IN POLICY FORMULATION AND DECISION MAKING

It is unfortunate that despite evidence that women can lead, there is still minimal presence of women in decision making positions. In Africa this can be attributed to cultures that have long treated women as chattels. This has been aggravated by religions such as Islam and contemporary Christianity that emphasize the secondary or helper role of women who should not challenge the authority of men, whom churches sanctimoniously declare as head, when it comes to leadership. The deliberate perpetuation of this can be seen in Zambia by the current spirituality that has emphasized chupo (marriage) and ubufyashi (fertility) at the expense of career development for women. READ MORE

The Role of Government and Multi-Nationals in Community and National Development

A short video on our work in North-Western province. Holding a dialogue meeting, we addressed issues of the role of Multi-National Corporations in the development of communities in which they operate, and the role of Government and Local authorities in development.

BNB Press Statement for 6 September 2018