Government says it highly places the church as a partner in national development.
Tourism and Arts Deputy Minister Lawrence Evans says the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) in particular was one of the churches that has made massive contributions since independence in terms of spiritual, moral, social and economic development.
Mr. Evans said the church has worked in areas of education and health among other sectors of the economy to uplift the standards of living for the Zambians citizens.
He added that the church contributed through educating people who are capable of being good citizens on whom the country is now counting on, among the first Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, the nation’s icon.
Mr. Evans who is also Livingstone Central Member of Parliament said this last night when he officiated at the UCZ Golden Jubilee Fundraising dinner held at the Zambia Air force (ZAF) banquet hall in Livingstone.
He encouraged the church to continue praying for the leadership of the country under the Patriotic Front (PF) government led by President Michael Sata.
Mr. Evans said it is everyone’s mandate to continue praying for the peace and prosperity the country has had enjoyed for a long time since independence adding that the almighty God should be thanked and given all the glory for the spiritual guidance rendered to the nation.