By ADRIAN MWANZA –
GOVERNMENT has hailed the role of the church in promoting peace, forgiveness and reconciliation among the people, Vice-President Inonge Wina has said.
Ms Wina said the church played a cardinal role in promoting peace and Government appreciated this vital role especially that Zambia is a Christian nation.
She said President Edgar Lungu in his speech during the official opening of or Parliament last week emphasised that Zambia, as a Christian nation needed to preach reconciliation, forgiveness and encourage the nation to seek the face of God.
Ms Wina said this in a speech read on her behalf by Sport, Youth and Child Development Minister Vincent Mwale during the Scripture Union of Zambia (SUZ) thanksgiving service at Lusaka’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross yesterday.
The Scripture Union of Zambia had for a long time helped reduce moral degradation among youths.
“I strongly believe that the Union can turn the tides of morality around in our young people, who will result in having responsible and God fearing future leaders,” she said.
The Government had continued to render support to the movement and had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the SUZ which would give the union a platform to continue with the good work.
She said the Union had been engaged in activities aimed at shaping the lives of children and young people in institutions of learning into God fearing and responsible citizens by instilling biblical values in them.
She appealed to churches and the business community to continue supporting the work of the SUZ.
Anglican Diocese of Lusaka reverend Charlie Thomas said the Scripture Union helped many pupils in schools to seek the kingdom of God.
Rev Thomas said the organisation aimed at making God’s news known to children, young people and their families.
He said there was need to invest in young people for them to enhance their capacity.
“There is need for Zambians to pray for their leaders in order for the country to be self reliant and for them to make wise choices that will benefit the people,” he said.