Lungu urges faith leaders to promote unity

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has urged faith leaders to do more to promote national unity.

In a message to Muslims on the holy festival of Eid mUBARAK, the culmination of the Holy Month of Ramadan, President Lungu says Zambians of all faiths and beliefs must stand together to protect the nation’s peace, rule of law, democracy and strengthen the country.

President Lungu says religion must add to those national aspirations that pull the people together rather than those that seek to bring division.

He says spiritual leaders help heal the national when it is ill.

President Lungu notes that Zambia, as a Christian Nation, remains a unique country where different religions have learnt to live at peace with one another while contributing to the common good of communities, adding that service to humanity at any level is always great dedication to God and the country.

He adds that the national’s motto of One Zambia,One Nation also reminds all Zambians across any divide of the importance of respecting those of all faiths and beliefs.

President Lungu further states that the nation’s great diversity and inclusiveness, adding to the richness of Zambia must be emulated on all fronts including defending the country’s cherished democracy.

And President Lungu has congratulated the Muslim community in Zambia on the occasion of the holy festival of Eid and urged them to do more to promote national unity and inter-religious dialogue between and among different faiths.

He notes that for Muslims in Zambia, this is an important event as it cements the nation’s endeavour to promote inter-religious dialogue and co-existence.

President Lungu states that this important time when Muslims mark the end of Ramadan must be a time to reflect spiritually, build communally, and aid those less privileged in society.

This is contained in a statement issued by special assistant for press and public relations Amos Chanda.