Reformed Church in Zambia (RCZ) Synod Acturius, Reverend, Isaac Banda, has called on the church and society at large to encourage young couples to legalize their marriages, warning that failure to do so often results in unforeseen consequences.
Speaking in an interview with RCV in Lusaka today, Rev. Banda stressed the importance of ensuring that marriages are formalized through legal and spiritual means, noting that many young couples face challenges in their unions due to a lack of proper legal frameworks.
“There is an urgent need to encourage especially young couples to legalize their marriages, this will not only provide legal protection for both parties, but also create a foundation for stronger, lasting unions,” said Rev Dr Banda.
However, Rev. Banda has criticized the church, saying it has contributed to the lack of confidence among young couples by imposing exorbitant fees for marriage ceremonies and blessings.
He said the church should not be a stumbling block when young people seek to solemnize their marriages.
He has since warned that this trend risks pushing young couples away from the church and the values it upholds.
Rev. Banda further called on churches to re-evaluate their approach and return to the drawing board, urging them to create more accessible and youth-friendly ministries that guide young people on the right path to building lasting marriages.
On Monday, September 1, 2025, the Lusaka City Council (LCC) recorded a decrease in the number registered and legalized marriages in the Second Quarter of 2025 standing at 1,106 compared to the same period in 2024 when 1,165 marriages were legally conducted.
By Margaret Mwanza
