Govt urges Church to preach unity

Govt urges Church to preach unity

Livingstone, February 15, 2015, ZANIS…. SOUTHERN province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu has called on the Church to take a leading role in promoting peace and unity among Zambians regardless of tribe.

Mr Mubukwanu says the Church must be in the forefront of condemning all vices in society that are detrimental and undermined the dignity of people.

ZANIS reports that speaking when he officiated at the induction ceremony of the Western Presbyterian Bishop  of the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) in Livingstone today, Mr Mubukwanu said the Church must preach peace and unity.

He said Promoting peace and unity among all Zambians requires the involvement of the church to curb various vices that are detriment to unity.

“The church must partner with government to ensure that vices such as homosexuality, child abuse, corruption, tribalism, gender and political violence are completely eliminated from the Zambian society”.

He said the Church should partner with government to promote the ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ slogan that has led the country in peace for the past 50 years.

“As Government, we pledge to work with the Church in our quest to bring about meaningful development in the lives of the Zambian people.

Mr Mubukwanu said the fight against poverty requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders including the church.

“like the triune God ( God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit), the church must continue to be a true reflection of this unity among people of diverse interests”, he said.

Mr Mubukwanu has however reiterated his commitment to work with all Churches in the Southern province to promote unity and ensure that development is attained.

Mr Mubukwanu  has congratulated and implored the newly inducted Bishop Reverend Lubinda Manyando  to preach peace and unity as he serves the UCZ members of the province.

“ President Lungu is happy to hear about the induction of the Jubilee UCZ Bishop in the country. Therefore preach the message of peace and unity as you shepherd the flock of Western province”, he said.

Mr Mubukwanu however appealed to politicians in the country to imitate the peace and unity that exists in the Church among people of different tribes, gender and political affiliation.

And speaking earlier, Synod Bishop Reverend Mutale Manunga prayed for President Edagr Lungu and his Cabinet to lead the country into development in peace and unity.

He prayed that President Lungu succeeds in his efforts to foster unity among Zambians of different backgrounds.