Government has appealed to the Church to intervene in the ongoing hostilities among politicians in Zambia.
Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Mwansa Kapeya said the unwarranted hate, hostility and perception of some politicians by other political players as enemies needed attention as it was retrogressive.
The minister was speaking when he officiated at the consecration of Reverend Paul Bupe as Redeemed Methodist Church Bishop in Lusaka on Saturday.
“All of us in the political arena in this country must realise that we cannot afford to divide our people on the basis of political affiliation, regionalism and tribalism.
“I, therefore, appeal to the Church to play an active role in spearheading reconciliation and co-existence among politicians and the people of Zambia as well as Government. Government will look up to you to help promote dialogue as the only means to resolving differences amicably,” he said.
Mr Kapeya, who is Chief Government Spokesperson, said Government was confident that the Redeemed Methodist Church and other religious denominations would rise to the occasion and champion reconciliation.
He said Government held the Church in high esteem and regarded it as an important strategic institution in the governance of the country because like Government, it served the people on behalf of God.
In his maiden speech, Bishop Bupe commended Government for the economic strides the country had recorded so far, citing job-creation and infrastructure development but that much more needed to be done, especially in the area of poverty reduction.
Dr Bupe expressed disgust at the continued harassment of senior citizens and business executives in connection with witchcraft and Satanism and that defilement should be condemned.
Prominent among those that witnessed the consecration ceremony were Heritage Party president Godfrey Miyanda and his wife Angela and former Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) chief executive officer Clive Chirwa.
