A clergyman in Luapula Province has welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s call on the Church and other relevant stakeholders to help stop the rising number of divorce cases in the country.

During his address to the third session of the thirteenth national assembly on the progress made in the application of the national values and principles on Friday last week, President Hichilema bemoaned the high number of divorce cases in the country.

Reacting to President Hichilema’s observation for families, the church, traditional leaders, civil society and community organisations to enhance marriage counseling and teachings, Anglican Bishop of Luapula Robert Mumbi says the appeal by the Head of State is timely.

ZANIS reports that Bishop Mumbi, who attributed the high divorce cases to the failure by young people to follow procedure before getting married, urged stakeholders to heed the President’s call by playing their part.

The Anglican cleric identifies weak Christian principles, co-habiting, high poverty levels and unemployment, among others as causes of divorce among young people.

“The President’s call on all of us is timely and I would like to urge stakeholders to heed the call. Something needs to be done about the rising divorce cases in the country. But as a Church we are already doing it. We should make sure that marriage teachings, counselling and other procedures are adhered to before any nuptials are sanctioned in Church. We also ensure that we promote reconciliation in an event where a couple has differences.” Notes Bishop Mumbi.

Bishop Mumbi explained that most of the marriages that are being dissolved in the courts of law have not gone through the Church establishments but outside; adding that Church marriages are stronger and always seek reconciliation.

The Anglican Bishop of Luapula further noted that young people are avoiding having their marriages validated at the Councils because of the high certificate fees; hence opting for the cheaper way.