Pray for peace, Lungu asks Church

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has called on the church to encourage their members to passionately pray for peace and unity in the country.

The President has also praised the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) for its continued active role in the promotion of peace and unity in the country. He said government was happy to associate with the church in ensuring that the tenets of peace and unity were upheld at all times.

President Lungu said this when he officiated at the farewell and retirement thanksgiving service for the outgoing UCZ General Secretary, Peggy Kabonde at Saint Andrews Congregation in Lusaka yesterday.

President Lungu also commended the UCZ for being one of the churches that pioneered the aspect of gender equality and for recognizing women as equal partners in fostering development at all levels.

He said the decision by the UCZ to embrace women in decision making positions was in line with government resolve to promote women participation in vital positions.

"May I commend the UCZ for being pioneers in the promotion of gender equality," said President Lungu.

And in her farewell message, Rev Kabonde advised President Lungu to remain focused and not get distracted by people that offer unfair criticism meant to mock him.

She said that leadership comes from God, hence the need for President Lungu to always strive at doing what he is called for, which is to serve the people of Zambian.

Ms Kaboonde also advised Zambians to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and adhere to the health guidelines in order to protect themselves from the adverse effects of the virus.

Delivering her sermon, former Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) Reverend Suzan Matale described Rev Kabonde as a faithful leader who has contributed to the growth of the UCZ countrywide.

Rev Kabonde has since been replaced by Rev Chipasha Musaba as General Secretary of the United Church of Zambia.