President Hakainde Hichilema has commended the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) for its continued agenda to transform the livelihoods of the people across the country through social sectors such as Education and Health.
Mr Hichilema has also praised the United Church of Zambia for its continued effort in fostering peace and unity in a bid to accelerate economic growth.
Speaking when he graced the UCZ’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the Ucar Chitalu stadium in Kabwe today, the Head of State noted that the Government stands ready to partner with the church in an ambitious agenda to improve people’s livelihoods in the country.
“Let me take this opportunity to thank the UCZ for preaching the message of peace and unity, indeed the United Church of Zambia has been instrumental in uplifting people’s livelihoods, thereby complementing Government’s efforts,” he said.
ZANIS reports that President Hichilema observed that since 1965, the UCZ has been a pillar in advancing social services in areas such as Health and Education, which have supported the people especially the vulnerable and marginalised in communities.
The Head of State explained that through Mbereshi Mission school and Hospital infrastructure in Luapula province, many distinguished leaders in the country have benefited from it.
The President has also promised that his Government will continue to roll out development across the country especially through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to all the Constituencies.
He stressed that distribution of CDF is done equitably to all the Constituencies regardless of whether it belongs to the opposition or ruling party.
The President has since encouraged the UCZÂ Church to tap into CDF to fund their projects such as the solar energy investment they have embarked on in a quest to improve the welfare of the people.
Mr Hichilema also used the opportunity to clarify that the help Government renders to Churches should not be misinterpreted because his Government has a duty to support the welfare of the body of Christ.
The President has since assisted the UCZ Synod with 1.2 million Kwacha from his own resources to enhance their operations.
“My Government remains ready to partner with the UCZ and other Churches in our common vision to better the living standards of the people, I commend you for celebrating this Diamond Jubilee,” Mr Hichilema said.
And UCZ General Secretary, Chipasha Musaba, who was represented by acting General Secretary, Reverend Emmanuel Bwalya, said the objective of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations is for the church to recast its vision for the future.
Reverend Musaba reiterated that the Diamond Jubilee celebration is to remind the membership of its mandate to deliver social, spiritual and economic activities to its members, aimed at impacting the livelihoods of the people in communities.
Rev Musaba further explained that the Diamond Jubilee is the time for the UCZ to remember the sacrifices of the faithful Servants of God who started the church decades ago.
“We gather here to renew our unwavering faith and commitment in the work of God, to recast our vision in our ambitious agenda to transform people’s livelihoods in communities, spiritually, socially and economically,” he said.
He added that it is pleasing to meet in the fullness of God to celebrate his greatness and faithfulness and that the church must stand firm in the wake of adversity.
The Council of Churches of Zambia (CCZ) General Secretary, Bishop Emmanuel Chikoya, commended the United Church of Zambia for its continued investments in sectors such as Education, health and other social sectors.
He said through the Church’s investments in schools and health sectors, many citizens have been touched and lives transformed.
Earlier, delivering his sermon, UCZ Synod Bishop, Festus Chulu, said God is able to change a narrative even in difficult times and makes a way out by opening a new chapter.
Bishop Chulu, who read in the book of Isaiah 43 verse 19, cited the work that God did to the people of Israel in the wilderness by taking care of them.
The Bishop called for the church to embrace the spirit of unity and peace as the country prepares to go into elections next year.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations were held under the theme “changing the narrative”.
