*GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS ITS UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH*

The Government has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Catholic Church in fostering national development.

Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Mrs Doreen Mwamba, notes that the roles of government and the church are similar as they both border on promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the people especially the poor and vulnerable.

The Minister says the church has a noble role to support the priests in their endeavour to fulfil their evangelization mission.

Speaking during the Catholic Women’s League fundraising luncheon for Seminarians and construction of a kitchen shelter at St. Joseph Mukasa Parish in Makeni over the weekend, Mrs Mwamba said the clergy are key people in the church and promoting their welfare should be prioritized.

She further appreciated the Catholic Women’s League for their unwavering commitment to advancing the development of the church through their financial contribution to the seminarian fund every year, emphasizing that the plight of Seminarians in the Catholic Church cannot be overemphasized.

Mrs Mwamba said President Hakainde Hichilema stands fully supportive of the church and its mandate to supplement efforts in promoting the welfare of the poor and vulnerable in society, as evidenced by the various social protection programmes the government implements.
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She indicated that the declaration of a national disaster and emergency by the Republican President due to crop failure, will be imperative for the church and government to join hands and collaborate for the sake of promoting food security amidst the crisis.

Mrs Mwamba also emphasized the need to rebuild and restore the lost cultural and traditional values that have led to societal moral decay, but hoped that the church through the women’s league and also collectively, will continue to instil hope for a better and more just society amidst modernity.

Mrs Mwamba who also offered monetary support, said this in a speech read on her behalf by the Director for Community Development, Mrs Patricia Muyamwa.

St. Joseph Mukasa Parish Women’s League Chairperson, General Emelda Chola, appreciated government support towards the church, particularly during such fundraising ventures and other charitable works meant to uplift the lives of the vulnerable in society.