02 Aug 2016

The coexistence of the state and religion has played a crucial role in the success of developmental process and unity of Batswana, Assistant Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Dikgang Makgalemele has said.

Speaking at the occasion to launch the 2016 Bible month on Monday, an activity of the Bible Society of Botswana, he said religious pluralism has helped foster unity, peace and cultural values for which the country has come to be known for.

He said because of the role of the church in the society, government continues to respect freedom of worship as enshrined in the constitution permitting all to exercise their democratic right of belonging to churches of their choice.

He said the church has played a big role over the years in helping the less fortunate in the society to live a dignified life by way of providing to their needs, the spirit he said was not only in line with the teaching of Christ of neighbourliness, but also promoting National Vision 2016 pillar of building a compassionate and caring nation.

He commended the Bible Society for spreading the word of God and called on all to see the work of the Bible society beyond Bible distribution given the value and significance the Bible play in individual and collective lives of Batswana.

He also said the Bible society in its work throughout its existence rendered a neutral Christian organisation and it is in this neutrality it has been able to facilitate reconciliation among some conflicting churches and institutions, promoting and upholding national unity in the process.

“In this regard, the Bible Society, working along with key partners, being the churches, must promote the reading and the leaving of life that is inspired by the word of God. I challenge you to influence change, to influence behavior change in our communities where clearly the moral fabric that held this country together for as long as it lived, is fast wearing off,” said the minister.

Mr Makgalemele challenged the Bible Society to use the Bible to positively impact the lives of the citizenry against the backdrop of challenges assailing the nation such as road carnage which continue to claim productive lives, drought which threatens the rural poor, “let us use the Bible and the word of God as an instrument of change, for the greatest strategies for dealing with these challenges are contained in it,” he said. ENDS