SCORES of Christians from different denominations yesterday thronged various churches around the country to celebrate Palm Sunday with a call to embrace unity and love.

In Lusaka, Salvation Army Zambia Chief Secretary Christopher Mabuto called on all peace-loving Zambians to support Government, especially in the fight against corruption and gender-based violence (GBV).

Lieutenant Colonel Mabuto said the Church had a bigger role to play in the development of the nation by participating in important national events such as the Constitution-making process and praying for the nation and its leadership.

He said it was the Church’s responsibility to emulate Christ the King through preaching love, unity and peace.

He appealed to Christians and Zambians at large to individually fight GBV, corruption, human trafficking and other vices that were retarding development.

He urged Zambians to pray and support its Government and leadership in unity saying “united We Stand, Divided We Fall.”

Health Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga said President Michael Sata was a good example of a Christian leader and many other leaders must emulate him.

Mr Mulenga said it was important for every person, especially political leaders to identify themselves with God.

Kabwata Member of Parliament(MP) Given Lubinda who was among the congregants, thanked the people of his constituency and the nation at large for their continued prayers and promised his continued support to the Church.

In Chipata, Christians commemorated Palm Sunday which signified Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, reports Julia Phiri

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and falls on the Sunday before Easter Sunday.

Christians from various churches from Mchini, Magazine and other townships were led by Father Japhet Mbewe from St Atanazio Catholic Parish.

They walked from Chipata College of Education, while Christians from Kapata, Kalongwezi, Moth and other surrounding townships began their procession at Chipata Golf Course.

Business in the border town temporarily came to a standstill during the ululation mainly from women who celebrated the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Brian Hatiyoka reports from Livingstone that Christians yesterday celebrated Palm Sunday with Roman Catholic priest John Rurangwa urging Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ.

Father Rurangwa said Jesus Christ suffered in many ways including the suffering he endured when he was abandoned by the people who benefited from his miracles.

He said in an interview after he conducted Mass at St Theresa Catholic Church that a poverty-free Zambia was possible if leaders worked hard.

On the Copperbelt, the Palm Sunday was also observed with many congregations marching across towns.

In Ndola, the UCZ St Andrews Congregation marched from Independence Avenue to Buteko Avenue and back to Independence Avenue.