AFRICA: ZAMBIA: CHURCH LEADERS CALL FOR PEACE AND UNITY

ALL AFRICA REPORT: Church leaders have called on Zambians to maintain peace and unity as the country heads towards general elections.

The clergy, who led hundreds of people in celebrating Palm Sunday yesterday, said there was need for Zambians to love one another and maintain peace as the country goes to the polls later this year.

Some Church denominations represented at the celebrations were the Anglican Church, United Church of Zambia and Catholic Church.

Father Thomas said the Church was praying for political leaders and the people of Zambia so that the country holds peaceful elections.

He said while people could hold different opinions, they should always be led by the Holy Spirit and love for one another.

At the same occasion, St Ignatius Church superior Charles Chilinda appealed to Zambians to embrace peace and love.

Fr Chilinda said all Zambians belonged to Jesus Christ and as they campaigned, they should remember His love for all.

He said Zambians should be like Jesus who despite knowing that he was going to die for people's sins did not stop loving.

Fr Chilinda said celebrating Palm Sunday with other Church denominations and people with different opinions was a demonstration that the Spirit of God should be upon everyone.

He said people who opposed peace and love in Zambia were against God's work.

Ecumenical Committee chairperson, Thompson Mkandawire said the humility shown by Jesus as He entered Jerusalem should be reflected by all Zambians, especially as the country goes towards the elections.

Reverend Mkandawire said Jesus entered Jerusalem with a message of peace and every Christian should identify with it by accepting and loving one another.

He said this year's Palm Sunday celebration was a launch of a campaign for non-violence during the elections.


And the Government has pledged to work with the Church mother bodies to ensure that this year's elections are held in a peaceful environment.Palm Sunday, which is an annual event, signifies the day Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem and was welcomed by a multitude of people.

Livingstone District Commissioner Francis Chika said yesterday that the Government wanted to work with the Church as partners in national development.

Livingstone Brethren in Christ Reverend-in-charge, Howard Sikwela urged Zambians to vote wisely in this year's elections.

Council of Churches in Zambia Livingstone chairperson Cosmas Wakunguma urged people to pray against violence.

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