Africa-Press – Botswana. Government recognises the critical role played by churches in combating crime and promoting good moral values, Mmathethe/Molapowabojang MP, Dr Edwin Dikoloti has said.
Speaking at the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church pulpit dedication service in Mmathethe recently, Dr Dikoloti, implored the church to encourage its members to register for the 2024 national general elections to ensure their participation in shaping the future of the nation.
He said whilst government was aware that the primary role of the church was to provide for the spiritual needs of its members, it remained cognizant of the role the church also played as the conscience of the society.
Dr Dikoloti encouraged the congregation to be exemplary citizens who exercised their rights by registering for elections. He also urged them to intensify efforts in evangelism as a means to save the country, given the increasing crime and other social ills.
Dr Dikoloti, who is also the Minister of Health commended churches for their contribution in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. He said it was during such difficult times that churches through collaboration with government and other stakeholders demonstrated their role in addressing the unprecedented challenges that were brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He further noted that churches had been critical partners and instrumental in fighting the HIV/ AIDS scourge. He said it was through such efforts that the country was able to surpass the UNAIDS targets of 95-95-95 with achievement currently at 98-98-98.
Further, Dr Dikoloti shared government decision to revitalise primary healthcare to make it people-centred, adding that this called for engagement with the church for such efforts to bear fruit.
Dr Dikoloti also thanked the church for moulding the children in the village, saying such interventions were crucial in addressing the bad vices that exist in the village.
“Mmathethe is bedevilled with so many challenges. Many youth have succumbed to substance abuse hence the need for the church to act immediately against such challenges,” he said.
For his part, Mmathethe Councilor, Ms Thandi Ntebang shared that AME Church was a blessing to Mmathethe residents, noting that the church was achieving a lot through its door-to-door visitations, which were helping to drive a positive mindset.
Ms Ntebang shared her desire to see the AME Church grow so that it continued to nurture and groom its members.
DAILYNEWS
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