08 Apr 2023

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Lemogang Kwape, has urged the church to continue playing its role in addressing national challenges such as diseases, gender based violence, drug abuse, corruption and stock theft.

“We should commend the church for the role it played in the midst of COVID-19 and it was through prayer and faith that our country overcame the pandemic,” he said when officially opening the Evangelical Religious Protestant (ERP) Unity Church Easter session on Good Friday in Morwamosu.

Dr Kwape acknowledged the role of the church in building a wholesome individual, especially through spiritual upliftment. He said ERP Unity Church’s mission was aligned to Vision 2036, which aspired for a moral, tolerant and inclusive society. He also said the evangelical component of the church was aimed at the spiritual wellbeing of people.

He said Good Friday was a time to introspect and reflect, while at the same time signalling that there was hope for mankind.

Dr Kwape further implored parents to augment the government’s efforts in fighting social ills, especially criminal activities.

Even though government was continually strategising on enhancing crime prevention measure through policies and increased personnel, he said there was need for all to play their role.

“The government continues to come up with ways to reduce crime incidents in our country through formulating policies and increasing police officers but we also need parents’ input in fighting crime,” he noted.

ERP Unity Church leader, Archbishop Tshenolo Mautle, said the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s death was a call for introspection and behavioural change. He said the plot against Jesus indicated a form of betrayal that needed to be eliminated from mankind.

He also said it was important for the teachings to be aligned with current and emerging life situations for people to effectively relate with the word of God.

“This message challenges people, especially leaders, to introspect and watch their behaviour towards fellow humans. Jesus died so that love could reign and for us to be united, not to cause conflicts amongst ourselves,” he said.

In his remarks, Kgosi Boitelo Gaogakwe of Morwamosu expressed concern at the escalating crime rates among young people. He said most of the criminal activities were fuelled by alcohol and drug abuse.

Nonetheless, he applauded religious leaders for their efforts in moulding people’s characters through spiritual upliftment. Ends