President-elect Edgar Lungu says he has no intention of hijacking the church. He said this during a church service.
His words come in the wake of public outcry after he announced a the creation of a Ministry in charge if Religion.
Analysts and critics have said the creation of another Ministry is just a waste of resources and may divide religious groupings.
Lungu instead said he wants to incorporate the Church in the duties of the state.
He was speaking during a celebratory mass at Divine Mercy Catholic Church. He said his intention to have a Minister of Religious Affairs for Faith and National guidance was to harmonize the relationship between the State and the Church.
“How can I surely abuse the Church? The church exists independent of the state. We are believers in Christ and the Church and for us who are believers the State is subordinate to the Church,”Lungu said.
He told the Church that the Secretary to the Cabinet had been tasked to speak to the three Church mother bodies to look into ways the new ministry would operate.
Lungu also re-echoed the importance of having Christian faith.
Lungu whose reelection is under contention has emphasized on religious activities but critics have said its a political ploy.