Official statement from UCKG in Zambia
Released: 01.12.05

Dear brothers and sisters,

It is with gratitude that I wish to set straight the record with regard to the incident that ended in the destruction of God's house and property.

Following the riots that took place on Saturday 26th November 2005 by persons who do not understand the work of the Universal Church in Zambia, these are the facts:

On the day in question, Christopher Kawale, who we believe to be a mental patient and who usually attends our church at the 20th Century Cinema building, was in the church at a service. On several past occasions Kawale has walked into the church causing disturbances to the services. Knowing his mental state, we have at times restrained him from causing disturbances, but we have always allowed him in as the church is open to everyone.

At the end of the service one of our auxiliary pastors who was preparing banners and placards for the official opening of the Cathedral of Faith requested him to leave the premises as usual. This is because no one is allowed to remain inside the building after services for security reasons i.e. prevention of theft of church items.

Kawale refused to go out. He threatened to beat up the pastor. A struggle ensued and in the process the paint which the pastor was holding in order to paint the banners and placards spilled on Kawale.

After the paint was spilled on him, Kawale went outside and came back with a mob. We explained to them what had happened. They left. Later, Kawale came back with a larger mob accompanied by two reporters, who we believe were from Radio Phoenix or from Hot FM radio.

It was difficult to get their particulars because of the tension which was already building up outside. However, the faces of the two reporters were captured by our digital camera. The two reporters were ushered into the reception office, which is just at the entrance of the church, where they interviewed the senior pastor in the presence of Kawale, his friend and other pastors of the church.