The Zambia Interfaith Networking Group ZINGO has emphasised that true unity in the country can be achieved when churches from different traditions and denominations engage in dialogue with humility and mutual respect.
ZINGO Executive Director Sivers Hamukoma said this over the weekend during the International Christian Peace Academy ICPA and fellowship gathering organised by the The international peace NGO Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL).
The event was organized in cooperation with the National Guidance and Religious Affairs (NGRA), an institution under the Office of the Vice President of Zambia, and the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group (ZINGO).
Approximately 90 participants attended the event, including Christian leaders, pastors, media representatives, and volunteers.
Key Christian organizations such as NGRA, ZINGO, the Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ), Missionary Ambassador for Global Evangelism (MAGE) and the Apostles Council of Churches (ACOC) participated in the gathering aimed at discussing ways to promote peace and social harmony within communities.
Mr Hamukoma expressed hope that the ICPA program would serve as a meaningful platform where Christian leaders can reflect on the scriptures together and consider how faith can contribute to peace in society.
During the event, participants watched lectures from the International Christian Peace Academy (ICPA), and shared their perspectives on how religious leaders can contribute to harmony and reconciliation within communities.
The program also included a Scripture-based activity in which participants searched the Bible to answer questions, followed by discussions and exchanges on the role of faith in promoting peace.
Participants noted that the event provided a meaningful opportunity for dialogue and expressed their hope that cooperation with HWPL would continue to expand in the future.
The International Christian Peace Academy (ICPA) is a program designed to encourage pastors and Christian leaders worldwide to share and learn from one another’s teachings based on the Bible, thereby promoting understanding and cooperation within the Christian community.
This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), proclaimed by HWPL on March 14, 2016. The DPCW is a peace declaration consisting of 10 articles and 38 clauses drafted with the participation of international law experts to prevent war and establish sustainable peace. It emphasizes global cooperation for peace, including the promotion of religious freedom and a culture of peace.
Based on the DPCW, HWPL has been expanding interfaith cooperation by signing a peace cooperation memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group (ZINGO) and working with Zambian government institutions to promote interreligious dialogue and peace education.
