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At a judgment delivered in his court on January 18, Judge Tamula Kakusa acknowledged that the matter was “a storm in a teacup”. He thanked UCKG and the other parties, comprising Zambia's Registrar of Societies, its Chief Immigration Officer and Attorney General, for their consent to an amicable conclusion to the matter. The Registrar of Societies' decision to close the church was quashed and costs were awarded to the church. Responding to the judgment Bishop Renato Cardoso, head of the UCKG in Africa said: “I am delighted, though not at all surprised at this outcome. Accusations of the sort leveled against us occur from time to time because of the unequivocal stance we take, and will continue to take, against witchcraft and satanism. “Sadly both of these belief systems have strong followings in many African countries even in this day and age. They are so often highly destructive of human life, health and happiness and are linked to the totally unacceptable abuse of children and adults. We now look forward to formally opening our new cathedral in Lusaka and continuing our Christian work in Zambia.” ENDS Note to editors: An affidavit provided by Ms Rebecca Sakala, the Registrar of Societies, who approves the operation of churches and similar bodies in Zambia, confirmed that the decision to cancel UCKG's registration was made without proper authorisation. It stated that the Registrar had decided to cancel the church's registration without the involvement or reference to the Minister of Home affairs or legal advice from the Attorney General's chambers. Also, that Zambia's Solicitor General subsequently advised that the procedure that lead to the decision to cancel was improper. If you require any further information regarding the UCKG, please submit your enquiry or telephone Francessca Lewis on 0207 686 6033.
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