PRESIDENT Michael Sata has urged the Church to help Government in the fight against corruption, abuse of office and general embezzlement of public funds because the vices are an injustice to the people.
Speaking yesterday at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross Golden Jubilee celebrations in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Sata said the Church, through its teachings, should uphold moral principles of love, care and responsibility as well as promoting honest attitudes among the people.
"Our society needs to be constantly reminded that corruption is sinful just like murder. So we must all pledge to fight corruption which in itself was an injustice, evil and act of self-centredness," he said.
He said corruption contributed to under-development and deprived citizens of a better and dignified life which they were entitled to.
Zambia's growth as a nation was entirely dependent on how decisively it would deal with retrogressive vices such as corruption, abuse of office and embezzlement of public funds.
He said the Church should be encouraged to continue playing its role to ensure the people particularly, the youth develop the fear of God and grow up into responsible citizens.
He said the Government on its part remained committed and available for any engagement that stood to benefit the people, adding that all well- meaning Zambians should embrace dialogue, reconciliation, peace and harmony.
The President said from the time the Cathedral of the Holy Cross opened its doors in 1962, it had turned out to be a national spiritual icon and heritage which had played a pivotal role in the country's national, State, civic and spiritual interactions.
"This national spiritual icon holds an extraordinary place in this country's political, social and spiritual history. We cannot forget that among the numerous progressive resolutions passed at the cathedral is Zambia's return to multi-party politics," he said.
He said the ultimate beneficiaries of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross had been men and women from across generations, race, creed and political affiliations whose purpose had always been to see a better and more prosperous Zambia.
He said as a result, Zambia was a rare oasis of peace and human fellowship on the African continent and the world at large, a record that should be upheld by all.
He commended the Anglican Church for being instrumental in the country's growth and for being a valuable ally to all Zambia's successive governments.
Mr Sata said his Government was committed towards the spiritual affairs and welfare of the country, adding that the Government acknowledged the relationship between the Church and the State as a vital part of the country's development.
He said the Government would do everything possible to ensure that the relationship with the Church was strengthened because without spiritual guidance, the nation would be lost.
He said preserving Cathedral of the Holy Cross for five decades was not a mean achievement and Government would consult the Anglican Church as the nation heads for its Golden Jubilee celebrations in two years time.
Anglican Lusaka Diocese Bishop David Njovu said the Cathedral was a national shrine for prayers and reconciliation in the country.
Bishop Njovu said because of its central location, the Cathedral was special and had attracted even other churches that held meetings at the Church.
He said the Cathedral of the Holy Cross would continue to offer its hospitality of teaching to all people.
First Republican President Kaunda and several Cabinet ministers were among the people who attended the celebrations.
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