By ANDREW MUKOMA
THE Reformed Church of Zambia (RCZ) in Livingstone has called on political leaders to avoid hate-speech ahead of the August 12 general elections.
RCZ Livingstone Congregation Minister-in-Charge, Caleb Mwanza, said that there was need to root out hate-speech and tribalism.
Hate-speech, he said, has potential to propagate violence which could turn out to be a recipe for widespread anarchy.
Reverend Mwanza said in Livingstone that the cancer must be fought so that peace could continue to reign in the country.
Rev Mwanza said the Church would continue to pray for the political leaders so that they promote peace and reconciliation.
He said political party leaders and their membership should be able to talk to each other.
“It would be sad for the country to lose peace because of the failure by the leaders to reconcile.This is a crucial time for church as the political parties are campaigning, as the church we shall continue to pray,” he said.
Rev Mwanza said it was important to have peace during the campaigns as people would be free to make the right choices.
And PF Southern Province mobilisation treasurer, Evans Fenete, said Zambia was Christian nation and the people should uphold Christian values.
Mr Fenete said Christians should strive to ensure that they pray for the country before, during and after elections.
And United Party for National Development (UPND) District Youth Chairman for politics and security Philip Musela said it was important for political parties to always put God first. Mr Musela said peace and reconciliation are important amongst the political parties so that they can work together.
