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President Hakainde Hichilema has called on the Church to remain a central pillar in promoting national harmony and moral values, reaffirming the government’s commitment to peace, unity and inclusive dialogue.
President Hichilema said the government regarded all churches in Zambia as one body of Christ, sharing a collective responsibility to promote peace, tranquillity and love across the nation.
The Head of State said this in a speech delivered on his behalf by Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba during the 24th anniversary of the Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ) on Sunday.
He said the government remained open to constructive dialogue and valued the Church’s complementary role in fostering national development and social harmony.
With a few months remaining before the 2026 General Elections, President Hichilema urged the Church to intensify its message of peace, love and forgiveness, stressing that elections should never divide the nation.
“As the year draws to a close and the country moves toward the 2026 General Elections, the New Dawn Government calls upon the Church in Zambia to continue preaching peace, love, and forgiveness, which are core biblical principles upon which Christianity stands,” he said.
The President commended the Independent Churches of Zambia for their active participation in governance matters, including their submissions on the Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 7, which he assented into law on December 18, 2025.
President Hichilema also welcomed views expressed by the Church on by-elections that differed from the government’s position, describing them as a positive demonstration of peaceful checks and balances that strengthen democracy.
“I noted one significant submission by the Independent Churches of Zambia opposing Bill 7, particularly their call for the continuation of by-elections, among other concerns, which reflects the important role of the Church in providing peaceful and harmonious checks and balances on the power of government,” the President said.
He appealed to the Church to continue partnering with the government, stressing that peace and unity must remain paramount before, during and after elections.
Meanwhile, Independent Churches of Zambia President Bishop Dr. David Masupa urged believers to be bold and actively contribute to national development.
The cleric encouraged Christians not to demean themselves, emphasising that their role in society extended beyond church walls. Bishop Masupa also called on believers to support the President, noting that the journey to servanthood was not always easy, as he recalled his own moments of persecution that tested his resolve.
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