ZAMBIA

Zambia’s major denominations melded during January’s global week of prayer for Christian unity. And while the churches are expected to play a pivotal role in national elections scheduled to take place by the end of 2006, civil society groups pressing for change wonder if that cohesion can carry over into the political sphere. Leaders of the three largest church groupings in the southern African nation released a joint statement urging church cohesion and the unity of communities. “Being mindful of what we hold in common allows us to face more effectively things which still divide us,” they said. (Ecumenical News International)