Church has Kept the Country Together in Hard Times – HH

14.12.2020

…challenges government to allow churches to continue worshipping in schools

UPND President, Hakainde Hichilema has heaped profound praises on the spiritual role that the church has continued to play in holding the nation together as she transitions towards better leadership.

Addressing members of the clergy from various Christian denominations this morning, President Hichilema observed that the peace and unity that Zambia has continued to enjoy in the face of numerous social, cultural, political and economic woes was as a result of the prayers by the church.

He expressed appreciation to the church for the role she played when UPND members went through traumatic times after his arrest that arose when he challenged the results of the 2016 general elections, adding that the committee (Religious Affairs) has continued strengthening the party during hard times.

“Thank you. Thank you. Continue to strengthen this country; the families. This department has been there for us. I know how you prayed when I was in Kabwe at Mukobeko [Maximum Correctional Facility]. [Also], at a time that this party could have broken down into pieces, you kept it together. You strengthened us. You strengthened us when Mapenzi Chibulo was shot at; when Grayzer Matapa and Lawrence Banda were murdered [in cold blood]. It is your prayers which has kept this country together,” said Hichilema.

President Hichilema also challenged Mr Edgar Lungu to the round table if he was sincere with ending political violence in the country.

“I heard someone (Lungu) telling people in my village that am not willing to dialogue. The truth is that I have always been ready. Let him come!” said Hichilema.

Hichilema, who expressed gratitude for the unifying role that the Religious Affairs Department has continued to play especially in guiding the party through

In calling for the government which he accused of subjecting Zambians to harsh economic times, said it was hypocritical for the PF-led Government to stop churches from worshipping in schools.

“I want to ask the Government to allow churches without buildings to continue worshipping in schools over the weekend. If they don’t do that, we will ensure that we do in 8 months time,” he said.

President Hichilema refuted the long-held public perception that those who seek public office put politics above God, stating that he’s a living example of those who fear the Creator even as they play politics.

“I want to refute the perception that those of us who seek public office have put politics before God. But the truth is that we are God’s first before we are politicians,” he said.

He has since urged the church to continue praying for political players, charging that he recognized the infallibility of the word of God.

UPND MEDIA TEAM