FORMER Zambia Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) president, Fackson Shamenda has urged the Government and churches to use the building of marriages as a tool for national unity and development.

Mr Shamenda, who was guest of honour during a Reformed Church of Zambia (RCZ) marriage blessing ceremony at which 11 couples had their marriages blessed by the Reformed Church in Ndola, said families played a key role in national development.

The Church should be strong and use the building of strong marriages to ensure that communities grew through the development of stable marriages through adherence to biblical teachings.

He said marriage was an important institution because it was ordained by God, that a man shall leave his father and mother to be joined together with his wife, adding that this was why marriage was between man and woman.