By SAM PHIRI –

THE African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) in Zambia has implored Zambians to continue nurturing peace in the country and defuse possibilities of tribal conflicts.
The AMEC also paid tribute to the nine of its United States of America (USA) members who were short dead by a 21- year-old gunman.
AMEC supervisor of the 17th Episcopal District Carol Isabella Messiah said the incident that shocked the world served as a reminder to Zambia to continue its crusade against tribalism and racism being spearheaded by President Edgar Lungu.
She said in a statement yesterday that the church body had organised a special service for the victims of the shooting.
The service was graced by President Barack Obama.
She said there was need for civic, political and church leaders to inculcate a sense of love, especially among the Zambian youth.
“Zambia is a well-known peaceful democratic country that should learn from the tragedy that happened in the USA AMEC by desisting from engaging in any form of tribalism or racism,” Mot Messiah said.
She said the young American who killed the nine AMEC church members was misled and was not taught the importance of respecting humanity regardless of race or tribe.
She said such traits in people should not be given room in Zambia.
Mot Messiah thanked President Obama for the support to the AMEC, particularly relatives of the deceased.
Mot Messiah said as Zambia drew close to the election year, parents, church and political leaders should take a leading  role  in instilling productive values in the youth unlike misleading them to a path of tribalism, hatred and racism.