Auxiliary Bishop of Chipata, Gabriel Msipu Phiri, has expressed optimism about the potential positive outcomes of his recent meeting with Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa. During the closed-door meeting held on Monday in Chipata, the two leaders engaged in a candid discussion on key grassroots concerns, which were shared with the aim of fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between the Church and the government.
In his remarks following the meeting, Bishop Msipu emphasized the significance of open dialogue in addressing the challenges faced by the people of Zambia. He acknowledged the importance of maintaining mutual respect and cooperation between religious leaders and government officials to ensure the effective resolution of issues affecting the grassroots communities.
Bishop Msipu commended Honourable Cornelius Mweetwa for taking the time to meet with him, noting that their discussions, which lasted for over four and a half hours, were constructive and focused on addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens. He highlighted that, as the Church is deeply connected with the grassroots, it is in a unique position to understand and articulate the issues that the people are grappling with.
“The issues we’ve discussed are real concerns coming from the people, and as a Church, we remain in touch with their sentiments. We understand their struggles, and it is important that we continue to engage with the government to ensure their voices are heard,” Bishop Msipu said.
The Bishop expressed his belief that this kind of open dialogue would lead to tangible outcomes that would benefit the country as a whole. He reiterated that the Church’s role is not only to offer spiritual guidance but also to advocate for the well-being of the people, especially those in vulnerable communities.
As discussions between the Church and the government continue, Bishop Msipu’s comments reflect a shared commitment to working together for the common good. With the concerns of the grassroots being placed at the forefront, both parties are hopeful that this collaboration will result in meaningful progress for the country.