Catholic Church development efforts cheer govt
GOVERNMENT is pleased with the efforts the Roman Catholic church is making in promoting peace and unity in the country. National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Godfridah Sumaili said government was grateful for the strong partnership between the church and the state. Speaking when she attended the Golden jubilee celebrations of the Roma Parish of the Assumption in Lusaka yesterday, Rev. Sumaili said the church's contribution in other sectors especially the social services had not gone unnoticed.
Rev. Sumaili said government will remain committed to supporting the church in Zambia.
She said her ministry was mandated to ensure that there was coordination in promoting the application of national values and principles to foster growth and development.
" I have observed the rate at which Roma Academy is growing and offering quality education and the vision to expand and even move the school to a bigger campus in Foxdale. I urge you to keep up the spirit and ensure that you continue to sustain the church to carry out its mission of evangelization," said Rev Sumaili.
And representing Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, Vicar general Fr Solomon Tembo in the homily commended government for unprecedented development projects across the country.
Fr Tembo, however encouraged the parishioners and other priests to remain hard working for the betterment of the church.
He urged them to stop the mentality of " Government iyanganepo" if the country was to develop.
" Let us teach our children good morals and how to be hard working in life so that when we die we don’t leave them stranded, and we are celebrating 50 years golden jubilee because of hard work," said Fr Tembo.