Church should do more to reduce GBV

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 10:21:21 +0000

THE Church must step up its efforts in reducing Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases, in the wake of rising reports of spouses killing each other, Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ) overseer David Masupa has said.

Bishop Masupa said there should be change in the manner couples relate to each other and that the church should not relent in counselling couples.

“The church must take up this responsibility and
ensure couples pass through counselling and make them be aware of the dangers of GBV,

“It is sad that the year 2017 was characterised with many cases of spousal killings which should not be the case in 2018,” he said.

Bishop Masupa said the continued increase in GBV cases among couples was a wake-up call for the Church to preach unconditional love, forgiveness and dialogue between spouses.

He urged couples to love each other and be faithful to avoid marital disputes, which was crucial in
maintaining marital harmony.

“Marriage is for life and people should not
engage themselves in extra-marital affairs because they can inflict pain on their partner who may resort to
violence,” he said.

He said the church should emphasize the need for citizens to respect each other if issues of GBV was to reduce among couples, adding the church must always attempt to change the nation and empower its citizens.