HH Vows to Partner with All Churches and Cooperate on Shared Projects

President Hichilema stressed on Sunday the importance of maintaining a robust partnership between the Church and the government. These words came as he attended a service at the Times Refreshing Ministry International Church in Choma, Southern Province.

Whilst all churches in Zambia retain complete independence from the state influence, this does not mean that the they cannot engage in mutually beneficial shared endeavours. Demonstrating his commitment to this partnership, the President announced the donation of K200,000 to support the construction of a new chapel for the Choma worshippers. He also indicated that further financial support for similar projects is forthcoming.

“This project here, it must go on, and projects in other churches must go on”, the President addressed the congregation, “we are just custodians of God. What we have, we keep for God”.

Furthermore, the President called for unity among all denominations. Freedom of religion is guaranteed in Zambia, yet there must be a common understanding that all churches belong to God, and should cooperate accordingly. To this end, President Hichilema signalled his intention to work constructively with other churches like Catholics and Seventh Day Adventists.

“One of my agendas is to unite this country [by] uniting the Church, the leaders and worshippers of different churches, bringing them together as one, children of God”, the President declared.

Churches play a vital role in maintaining social cohesion and promoting moral values. They are also potential vehicles for development, and the UPND government intends to utilise this partnership to achieve these goals.