PRESIDENT Edgar Chagwa Lungu, has continued meeting various church leaders to strengthen relations between Government and the Church and yesterday met the Lusaka Association of Zambian Diocesan Clergy at State House.
President Lungu urged the Church to continue preaching peace and praying for all political players, as the country heads to the general elections on 12th August, 2021.
The President emphasised the need for the Church to preach peace to all political players and that all stakeholders must embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ.
“It is peace that we should share throughout this season. Let us continue collaborating with the Church and the politicians, and let no one put this collaboration asunder, ” the President said.
The President called on the Church to offer constructive criticism to Government and compliment Government where it has done well.
And Association President Father Gabriel Mwanamwalye said one of the mandates Jesus Christ gave to the Clergy is to preach peace.
Father Mwanamwalye encouraged the President and other political leaders to promote peace among political party supporters. He appealed to Zambians to embrace peace in this election year and regard peace as a commodity which should be guarded.
Father Mwanamwalye appealed to eligible voters to participate in the forthcoming elections.
“As priests we will not embrace partisan politics because the people in church support different political parties, ” he stated, adding, “Peace must be preached before, during and after the general elections to avoid bloodshed. We ask all leaders to restrain their cadres as this is time to promote peace and coexistence. Ours is a nation of One Zambia One Nation and we are one regardless of where we come from. “
Also in attendance were Presidential Affairs Minister Hon. Freedom Sikazwe, and
National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister, Hon. Godfredah Sumaili. Father Mwanamwalye was accompanied by Father Joseph Sakala and Father Bryson
Phiri.
This is according to press statement issued by Issac Chipampe, Special Assistant to the President for Press and Public Relations.