Pray, counsel members, churches urged

THE Church should pray for peace ahead of the August 12 elections and provide counsel to their members on what kind of leaders they should elect to ensure Zambia continues to be a Christian nation,’’ Patriotic Front (PF) Chimwemwe parliamentary candidate Allen Banda has said.

Mr Banda said he was sure that depending on the conduct and behaviour of some Presidential and parliamentary candidates, the church was in the right position to counsel their members which candidates had respect for the church and fear of God.

In an interview in Kitwe at the weekend, Mr Banda said the PF under the leadership of President Edgar Lungu has demonstrated that it has respect for the church by involving it in various issues affecting the nation.

He said unlike some political parties which were only remembering the church in times of elections, the PF and its leadership has been in constant engagement with the church even when it was not time for elections.

“The PF and its leadership has been an all-weather friend of the church and does not even attack or respond to those clergymen who have been attacking President Lungu in some sections of the media. This shows respect for the church.

“I think for some time now, the church has been able to tell the conduct of some politicians and can therefore counsel their members on what kind of leaders to vote for in the August elections,’’ Mr Banda said.

Mr Banda said it was important for Christians and Zambians in general to look at humility, generosity, Christian faith among other things for any person seeking to become republican President.

He said, unlike some Presidential candidates, President Lungu has been tolerant, humble, generous and has always embraced Christian values and continued to ignore provocation.