FIRST Republican President Kenneth Kaunda has called on Church leaders to continue promoting love and unity in the country.

Dr Kaunda said the Church was better placed to preach peace and love as the country continues with development programme.

He was speaking in Lusaka yesterday during the induction service of Rodwell Chomba as United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Lusaka Presbytery Bishop at St Andrews congregation in Woodland.

"This day has come as a great day for UCZ and the nation as it shows the unity of the Church and the country as a Christian Nation," Dr Kaunda said.

Dr Kaunda congratulated Bishop Chomba on his election as the new Bishop for Lusaka Presbytery and urged him to serve all people and incorporate women in his work.

"We need to respect women in the country and appreciate them for carrying us for nine months. They worked hard and endured a lot of pain for us," he said.

And delivering a sermon, UCZ Synod Bishop Mutale Mulumbwa called on the newly-inducted bishop to have an encouraging heart and understand the different types of people he would be leading.

"You must have an understanding heart and inspire people. You need to welcome everyone because you are the Bishop of all members," he said.

Bishop Chomba pledged to accept the discipline of the church and to faithfully exercise authority and that of the Lord.

"The new appointment is emanating from God for me to do great things.

I will depend on people and I want to assure you that I will consult you and seek advice from you," Bishop Chomba said.

Bishop Chomba takes over from Bishop Lackson Chibuye who served in the position for the past eight years.

Bishop Chomba served as minister in charge of St Andrews Congregation in Lusaka from June 2010 to December last year.

He will serve in the new position for the next four years before elections are held again.