THE Church mother bodies have welcomed President Michael Sata's call for Zambians to bury their political differences and use the festive period as an opportunity for reconciliation and service to others.

In his Christmas message on Monday, Mr Sata urged Zambians to bury their political differences and show love and care especially to the needy during the festive period.

Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) Secretary General Suzanne Matale said President Sata's message was significant which the Church had been preaching.

"The President's message is perfect. Politicians should talk about it always instead of always attacking each other," she said.

Reverend Matale urged politicians to reflect on their differences and consider serving the people who elected them.

She said the church expected that after President Sata's message, there would be affirmative action especially that in a few days' time, people globally would be celebrating the New Year.

Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) executive director Pukuta Mwanza said Mr Sata's message was excellent because the Church had always been appealing to politicians and Zambians at large to reconcile.

"This is an excellent message from our President. As a church, we have always wanted to see politicians reconcile by showing love to each other and tolerance because they represent us and we are their people who elect them," Reverend Mwanza said.

He said the Church wanted to see 2013, as a year of reconciliation, tolerance and unity among politicians because continued attacks would not help develop the country.

Rev Mwanza was confident that both the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) and opposition parties would resolve their internal wrangles and advance the message of love in accordance with the Biblical teachings.

National Restoration Party (NAREP) president Elias Chipimo Jr said President Sata was right to champion reconciliation.

Mr Chipimo said Zambians could only adhere to the message if the President also showed commitment to his words.