Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema commended the partnership with the Catholic Church during the 120th anniversary of Chikuni Catholic Mission. He stressed that both entities are collaborators in development, urging the Church to continue its critical services. The President responded to concerns regarding development inequality, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration.
Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed strong appreciation for the collaborative relationship between his administration and the Catholic Church. During the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the Chikuni Catholic Mission on March 16, he emphasized that the two entities are partners in development, not rivals. President Hichilema urged the Church to continue its vital work in missionary activities, education, and healthcare, reinforcing the government’s commitment to support these efforts.
The President highlighted the importance of nurturing this partnership, stating, “The Catholic Church and the government are development partners, we are not competitors.” He reaffirmed the enduring nature of this relationship, emphasizing that “no one will break our partnership; the Catholic Church and the government will always be one.”
President Hichilema, who has led Zambia since August 2021, responded to concerns raised by Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Chipata regarding inequality in the nation’s development. This reaction illustrates the government’s readiness to engage in dialogue surrounding socio-economic issues raised by religious leaders.
In summary, President Hakainde Hichilema has reinforced the importance of the collaborative relationship between the Zambian government and the Catholic Church. He underlines the commitment to support the Church’s initiatives across various sectors, ensuring that both parties work together towards shared developmental goals. This partnership is characterized by a mutual understanding of roles that benefits the Zambian populace.
Original Source: www.aciafrica.org
