Bishop Chisanga of Mansa Diocese rejects President HH’s gift of K800,000.
DIOCESE OF MANSA
OFFICE OF THE VICAR GENERAL
Plot 225 Cathedral Road P.O. Box 710036, Mansa Zambia
Cell: +260973696567 +260772168502
Email: vicar_general@domansa.org website: www.domansa.org
STATEMENT ON THE FUNDRAISING EVENT HELD FOR LUBWE MISSION
The Office of the Bishop of the Diocese of Mansa has been receiving diverse and mixed reactions to the circulation of a report on various social media platforms concerning a fundraising event held on Saturday, 31st May 2025, in Samfya. This event was reportedly conducted in preparation for the 120th anniversary celebration since the establishment of the first Catholic Mission station at Lubwe, in the present day Chifunabuli District, scheduled for 28th June 2025.
According to the report, it was publicly announced during the event that the Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, pledged to contribute K800,000 towards the celebration. In addition, the Honourable Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Engineer Peter Kapala, aspiring candidate for the United Party for National Development (UPND) parliamentary seat for Chifunabuli Constituency, who was the guest of honour at the function – pledged 200 bags of 25kg mealie meal and two cows.
The Diocese wishes to make it clear that the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Patrick Chisanga, OFM Conv., had expressly advised the Parish Priest against proceeding with the fundraising event until clarity was provided regarding the perceived partisan political overtones in its organization. Regrettably, the event went ahead without the consent or blessing of the Bishop.
While the Church values acts of generosity and goodwill, the Diocese of Mansa, guided by a sense of pastoral responsibility and ecclesial integrity, will not accept the aforementioned donations. This decision is informed not by ingratitude, but by a conscientious commitment to uphold the impartiality and moral authority of the Church. The context and manner in which these pledges were made risk compromising the Church’s long-standing position of political neutrality and inclusivity.
The Diocese of Mansa reiterates its unwavering commitment to collaboration, dialogue, and mutual respect with the Government at both national and local levels. However, such cooperation must always be anchored in transparency, inclusiveness, and the non-partisan character of the Church’s mission.
Our Vision of “Embracing everyone with the love of Christ” requires that all diocesan activities, particularly those of a public or mission nature, remain neutral to all persons, regardless of political affiliation. Unfortunately, the organization and execution of the said fundraising event were perceived to carry a partisan bias, thereby excluding many would-be participants and undermining the spirit of unity and communion that the Church stands for.
We urge all Catholic faithful and members of the public to remain vigilant and to continue to support the Church in ways that reinforce her prophetic voice, spiritual mission and social impartiality.
It is the Bishop’s wish that the forthcoming June 28 celebration, be held in a deeply spiritual atmosphere of thanksgiving to God for the 120 years of Catholic witnessing to the Gospel of Christ and contributing to the integral good of the people of Luapula and Zambia at large.
Vicar General (Diocese of Mansa)
[Signature]
Fr. Felix CHIFUMBE
[STAMP: DIOCESE OF MANSA VICAR GENERAL – 03 JUN 2025 – P.O. BOX 710036, MANSA]
A DIOCESE THAT EMBRACES EVERY ONE WITH CHRIST’S LOVE
Stop inviting politicians to your events. Celebrate them with your church members where the guest of honour is Christ. Your action which you’ve made in public domain has put the President in bad light,hence shaming the whole nation
You have shamed the Republican President for your own personal glory contrary to Christian values. Next time use diplomatic means.
I am very proud of the Catholic Church. They have refused this “donation” because they do not know where this money is coming from. Let Hakainde donate this money to SDA, where they will happily take the money and not question its source.
Even with Churches, there are ama levels.
Reject tribalism, corruption and oppression.
DO NOT BE FOOLED.
DO NOT BE A FOOL.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2026.
Your position Bishop is respected. And Noted.
We just hope that you will be consistent is your actions and conduct.
I also reitrate what the “Voice”. If you cant accept this pledge cause you dont want to be misconstrued as being Partisan. Stop allowing Politicians to attend or visit your church. Stop allowing them to speak during your services.
Fair should be fair and rules that you invoke on Priests should be consistently applied
You can’t bribe the catholic church,try the SDA
Didnt the cathlic church receive donations from pf during the late ECL (MHSRIP) era?
I remember the same Catholic accepted a gift from GBM in 2013 where he built a church in Kasama so I don’t know if this is not double standards being exhibited now.
https://www.lusakatimes.com/2013/05/28/gbm-builds-convent-for-kasama-diocese/
Are you sure? Why did they accept a church built by GBM in 2013?
How can one donate to lucifer
Brown envelopes, brought by Chiluba are here to stay. hungry churches need them. KK never tolerated them.
I clicked on the blue words and found as alleged now if the catholic church in the same area/place they accepted a gift from a politician then now what is the difference between this latter and the former? Is it not the same situation?
Away from that how many churches or individuals or institutions did HH gifted before this holy man ??? Let’s be real in our dealings. The fact here is that this Bishop is playing a double standard. Is it the only church that was helped by HH or any other government officials in ruling?
My sentiments exactly. Hypocrotical of them to inconsistently apply one rule to one set of people while applying another to another group. Are we all not Children of God regardless of tribe, colour, sex and religious affliation?
These bishops instigate division instead of bridging our differences. I also wonder why their leaders dont counsel them and if thet continue in their divisive ways fire them?
These Bishops seem to what to like Demi Gods without reproach. The Church should reign them in.
This rejected gift that was offered in good faith can be sent to Ministry of Justice to pay off some retirees of 1999 National interest their delayed pension difference and can solve the pressures for about 1000 retirees.