THREE Church mother bodies, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB), Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ), and the Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ) have welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for unity among all church groupings in the country.
Speaking in separate statements, the Church leaders have endorsed President Hichilema’s call that no denomination should be marginalized, emphasizing that unity among Christians was vital for national harmony and development.Fr Francis Mukosa, Secretary General of the ZCCB, said the President’s position reflects a much-needed inclusive spirit in the religious community.
“There is nothing wrong with having a united Church comprising all denominations, big and small. It is a good thing that the Head of State has said all churches are equal. No one should be sidelined, especially if they are operating legally,” Fr Mukosa said.
While Bishop Andrew Mwenda, Executive Director of EFZ, declined to elaborate further, he expressed appreciation that President Hichilema had acknowledged the presence and work of their fellowship.
“I can’t make an extensive comment on that. It is his perception, and I’m grateful that he knows we exist,” Bishop Mwenda said. “You cannot tell a pregnant woman that she is pregnant. We know ourselves.”
ICOZ President Bishop David Masupa also lauded the President’s gesture, noting it was a positive step toward healing divisions within the Christian community.
“The Church is not a cathedral. The Church does not look at market youths…God looks at the heart of a person. We have seen for the past 24 years that the Independent Churches of Zambia have often been marginalized, but they cannot marginalize what God has called.”He said ICOZ was in support of President Hichilema’s appeal for love, unity, and peace across the Church and the nation.“We will stand for unity, for peace, and for love. We will stand with the government of the day and support him for uniting the nation,” he said.
Bishop Masupa also cautioned against religious leaders who speak ill of others in pursuit of personal gain, particularly those seeking favors from State House.
