PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated that any marriage other than one between a man and a woman is unchristian and unAfrican.
Officiating for the first time at this year’s National Day of prayer, Fasting, Repentance and Reconciliation in Kitwe yesterday, President Hichilema stated that Zambia shall continue to be a Christian nation noting that being a Christian nation alone comes with its obligations.
He said one of those obligations is to ensure that all the Christian values are maintained.
“If we are a Christian nation then marriages should be between man and woman. We agreed that we must be a Christian and so there are obligations. Marriages must not be on any other concoctions. Any marriage that is not between man and woman is not a normal marriage, it is something else.”
“Why should you make me repeat this message over and over. Anything else, any marriage other than man and woman is unchristian, it’s unAfrican,” said the President.
The President added that not allowing homosexuality in the country does not mean that he does not respect human rights.
“I have said to colleagues, global leaders on this subject that as partners, as independent countries governed separately for our people, we share common values. Out of 10, maybe we share eight, but if we are different on two including the issues of homosexuality, we shouldn’t fight each other. To say what I have said does not mean we don’t respect human rights. We do respect human rights,” he noted.
President Hichilema further urged the church to help promote decent marriages anchored on religious values in the country.
“I want to help young couples. There must be mutual respect in the home, there must be tolerance in the home but we ask the church, [to help] these people before they marry,” he said.
President Hichilema also called on the church to support the fight against corruption and take part in bringing the culprits to book.
And as part of Zambia celebrating 60 years, President Hichilema offered to the church 60 female cows and two bulls.
Meanwhile, Kitwe District Inter-Denomination Committee called on Zambians to use the National day of prayer and fasting to reflect on their sins and renew their faith.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 19, 2024