•ZAMBIANS yesterday converged at the Government Complex in Lusaka to commemorate the Christian Nation declaration.

By KASONDE KASONDE –
ZAMBIA yesterday commemorated 24 years of the country’s declaration as a Christian nation with fresh calls to renew the commitment.
The celebration was held under the theme ‘Laying a further foundation for a smart Zambia, renewing our commitment to reconciliation through love and forgiveness’.
The commemoration, which was held at the Government Complex in Lusaka and was marked by inter-denominational prayers and songs, was attended by people from all walks of life.
President Edgar Lungu called on all Zambians at home and abroad to ensure that love became the building block in all that was said and done.
Speaking in a speech read on his behalf by acting Chief Government spokesperson Vincent Mwale, Mr Lungu said as a follow-up of the declaration, he had decided to continue on the path of bringing to fruition the affirmations many Zambians had made to realise the dream of a Christian nation.
Mr Lungu thanked the advocates for the declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation for their relentless efforts and determination in keeping the mantle up to this day.
He said as Zambia celebrated the momentous occasion, there was need to remind one another that the country should be built on the foundation of faith laid by the forefathers, and that everyone should endeavour to renew the commitment in the process of reconciliation.
“I vividly recall that during the official opening of Parliament recently, I stated that hate, bitterness, contempt and envy are vices that have no place in a society like ours; we are above that, we are a Christian nation,” Mr Lungu said.
Mr Lungu reiterated that he proclaimed October 18, 2015 as a day of national prayer and forgiveness, and generally to encourage the nation to seek the face of God.
Northmead Assemblies of God Bishop, Joshua Banda said the Church valued the construction of the National House of Prayer as it was a sign of the President’s commitment to drawing the country closer to God.
Bishop Banda, who is the chairperson of the advisory board spearheading the construction of the National House of Prayer, said the facility would enable Christians from different denominations to gather and pray for unity and peace.
He appealed to all Zambians to tolerate and forgive one another in the spirit of unity and reconciliation.