By JAMES KUNDA –
THE United Church of Canada (UCC) has called for calm among Zambians as the country heads for general elections and a referendum next week.
UCC general secretary Nora Sanders said it was the Church’s wish that in the remaining days of the campaigns, the people of Zambia would continue living in peace, respecting others’ lives and rights.
“The UCC echoes the Church’s appeal for calm as Zambians prepare to head to the polls. Throughout its history, Zambia has stood out as a haven of peace and calm, offering refuge and security to those in neighbouring countries that have experienced violent conflict.
“It has been a role model for countries around the world on how to live with genuine respect for diversity and difference,” Reverend Sanders said.
She said this in a letter addressed jointly to Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) general secretary, Suzanne Matale and United Church of Zambia (UCZ) general secretary Peggy Kabonde in Lusaka.
Rev Sanders said UCC would pray and stand in solidarity with Zambians in the wake of the violence that had hampered campaigns in the run-up to the polls.
In response, Rev Matale, also in a letter, expressed gratitude to UCC, and that Zambia knew that it was not alone in the advocacy on peace ahead of the polls.
“We as a body of Christ will not relent in raising our voices for calm, peace and unity. Our prayer is that our God of mercy will see us through peacefully during and after elections,” Rev Matale said.