The United Church of Zambia (UCZ) has urged the church to take a more proactive role in addressing social evils.
UCZ Mbala Main Congregation Minister in Charge, George Manda, said it is important for the church to help address the problem.
This follows Zambia Police Service’s disclosure alleging that over 2000 cases of defilement were recorded in 2024.
Speaking to ZANIS in an interview today, Reverend Manda emphasised that true transformation begins with a personal commitment to Christ.
“The bottom line is for each and every one of us to receive Christ as our personal Lord and Saviour. This brings out the aspect of self-control in people,” he stated.
He further challenged religious institutions to extend their efforts beyond traditional church activities and directly engage with community challenges.
“I am appealing to the church that let’s move away from our conventional spiritual programs, which are beyond or around the boundaries of denominations. Let us go out and find out the evil issues that are being faced by the community and address them as our extra-curricular space,” he urged.
The call comes in response to growing concerns over the rise in defilement cases, which have sparked widespread condemnation.
Reverend Manda has echoed the need for both spiritual and practical interventions to curb the crisis.
With the numbers painting a grim picture, Reverend Manda’s message resonates as a wake-up call for faith-based organisations to play a more active role in fostering moral and social change.