Zambian government and Christian leaders discuss peace cooperation at the International Christian Peace Academy (ICPA)

 

 

On March 14, HWPL held the “International Christian Peace Academy (hereinafter referred to as ICPA) & Fellowship Gathering” in Lusaka, Zambia.

The event was held in cooperation with National Guidance and Religious Affairs (NGRA), an institution under the Office of the Vice President of Zambia, and the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group (ZINGO), with about 90 participants in attendance, including Christian leaders, pastors, media representatives, and volunteers. Major Christian organizations, including NGRA and ZINGO, as well as the Independent Churches of Zambia (ICOZ), Missionary Ambassadors for Global Evangelism (MAGE), and the Apostolic Council of Churches (ACOC), also joined the event. Participants held wide-ranging discussions on ways to promote peace and social harmony within local communities.

In his welcoming remarks, Sivers Hamukoma, Secretary General of ZINGO, said, “True unity can be achieved when churches from different traditions and denominations engage in dialogue with humility and mutual respect. I hope this ICPA program will serve as a meaningful platform where Christian leaders can reflect on the Bible together and consider how faith can contribute to social peace.”

After watching the ICPA lecture, participants took part in an activity to explore answers to key questions based on the Bible. They then held a discussion on the role of faith in promoting peace and shared diverse perspectives on how religious leaders can contribute to harmony and reconciliation within local communities.

 

 

Participants noted that the event provided a meaningful platform for dialogue on interfaith understanding and cooperation, and expressed their hope that collaboration with HWPL would continue to expand.

Meanwhile, the event was especially meaningful as it was held in the year marking the 10th anniversary of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), proclaimed by HWPL on March 14, 2016. Drafted with the participation of international law experts, the DPCW emphasizes international cooperation for sustainable peace, including freedom of religion and the spread of a culture of peace. Based on this spirit, HWPL operates the ICPA and continues to expand interfaith understanding and cooperation together with Christian leaders around the world.