Government through the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs says it has decided to introduce a Covid-19 Empowerment Fund for the churches.
She said the fund is aimed at helping the churches to come up Covid-19 sensitization in the communities and help the vulnerable in their congregations.
Speaking when she addressed journalists yesterday at Government Complex, Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Minister Godfridah Sumaili said President Edgar Lungu’s administration is aware of the economic hardships the churches have gone through during the Covid-19 pandemic period.
Rev. Sumaili stated that her Ministry has been tasked by the President to make modalities of how the funds shall be disbursed and accessed by the church.
“The churches will be informed when this has been done and obviously, we shall make consultation so that the fund is properly administered without leaving anyone behind. Even those churches that in the rural areas should be able to access,” she added.
The Minister further added that the government is grateful for the support it has continued to receive from the church and Religious Bodies as the nation continues to battle with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rev. Sumaili disclosed that churches that operate in school class rooms are still not operating but they have not been banned from using classrooms.
She said the suspension has been done in order to allow the school authorities to organize themselves and see how the pupils can be kept safe in this time of Covid-19.
“The decision to suspend the of use classrooms for worship purposes was done in consultation with the Ministry of health, Ministry of General Education, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Local Government,” she noted.
The Minister further noted that the issue of churches worshiping in classrooms is receiving the necessary attention as her Ministry is working with other line ministries in finding a lasting solution.
We need a Ministry for this!!!!??
SO WHEN THE REQUEST WAS BEING SUBMITED TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMUNITY FOR COVID 19 FUNDS-WERE THE CHURCHES INCLUDED ON THAT LIST?
IF HOSPITALS ARE NOT FULLY FUNDED TO DEAL WITH THIS PANDEMIC,WHY THEN SHARE THE LITTLE THAT IS GIVEN FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DEALING WITH THE PANDEMIC.
ARE YOU USING THESE FUNDS TO BUY VOTERS?
WHY DIVERT THE MONEY TO SOME OTHER UNRELATED CAUSES?
Don’t their members tithe? Now we will have make-shift churches popping up just to access the funds.
This country has more pressing issues than giving money to the churches. Retirees still waiting for their benefits, yet trying to buy votes from your praise choirs.
We are a Christian nation and gladly welcome this. Amen! Now watch the evil upnd diasporans foam at the mouth in anger. These devils need to be exorcised
Bondholders are watching all this.
This is the best decision government has taken. Involvement of Churches in the fight against Covid19 would bring the desired results faster.
When the Churches will get involved in the fight against this deadly virus, miracle will happen. Good that the efforts are now backed with financial help too.
This is the most proactive administration, Zambia has ever had. We are fortunate to have such visionary leader at the helm of affairs at such a crucial time. This is the indication that the current administration is aware of economic hardship faced by Churches.
What a leadership! His Excellency President Edgar C Lungu is aware of all the hardships faced by people. Thank God, for giving him as our leader in testing times.
This testing time has shown us who is how a true leader should be and President Edgar C Lungu has once again proved his qualities. God bless him. God Bless Zambia.
Churches are very important in our communities they do more care work amongst the people of Zambia, neglecting churches is hating the people themselves, what you should know is that those doing ministerial jobs in churches are also Zambians who must be supported.
The servants of God are there and do what you fail to do, when you are there drinking beer and sleeping in your houses they are praying for and your families they help keep the nation in peace.
WTF!!! Giving money to crooks who have no regard for science is a waste of resources. Give the money to local authorities and hospitals. What’s wrong with our leaders? Effing empty heads!