Group Village Head Loti Chisambi of Mzimba has asked churches to take an active role in promoting the social and economic welfare of their people.
The chief made the remarks on Christmas Day when he attended a communion service for the Last Church of God.
Chisambi, who was guest of honour at the prayers, said churches could play a critical role in identifying the needs of their people and complement government efforts that seek to improve the welfare of people at the grassroots.
“I am saying this because you [faith leaders] are the ones who live close to the people. Therefore, your role in championing development projects cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
Principal of Mhlafuta Mission of the Last Church of God Pastor Mtumbuka Chisambi said the communion service was organised to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
He said his church, which does not take tithes from its members, will mobilise resources through other means for development projects.
“You may wish to know that the Bible forbids men of God from collecting tithes or offerings of any sort from believers. Thus, we will have to devise measures for mobilising resources away from tithes and Sunday collections,” said the principal, who quoted 2 Corinthians 2:17 as the basis for not collecting tithes and other offerings.
