ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA’S RECENT ARREST DID NOT AFFECT GOVERNMENT’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH – MIYANDA
By: Thomas Mwale
Governance expert Wesly Miyanda says the Government maintains a good and cordial relationship with the Catholic Church, arguing that the State’s response to the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops’ pastoral letter and the arrest of Lusaka Archdiocese Archbishop Dr Alick Banda should not be interpreted as a breakdown in relations.
Mr Miyanda says statements made by individual Catholic priests or bishops on national matters should not automatically be regarded as the collective position of the Catholic Church, noting that Catholics, like other citizens, hold different political affiliations and views.
Speaking on Sun FM TV’s Zambia Together programme, Mr Miyanda said the Church should maintain neutrality when commenting on matters of national interest. He alleged that some of Archbishop Banda’s comments have appeared one-sided, while acknowledging the important role the Church continues to play in promoting good governance and advocacy in Zambia.
Mr Miyanda was commenting on State House’s rejection of concerns raised by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops over what the Church described as increasing political polarisation, ethnic manipulation, widespread fear and a shrinking democratic space.
State House argued that such assertions require specific evidence and could create an impression of a national crisis.
On September 30, 2026, the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed concern over what it described as the manipulation of ethnic identities and tribal sentiments for political purposes, as well as fears among citizens relating to personal security, freedom of expression, employment and the consequences of expressing political opinions.
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