CATHOLIC BISHOPS PUSH BACK ON ALICK BANDA’S “CANDLELIGHT” MASS
A number of Catholic Bishops have opposed the planned “candlelight” prayer service by Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda, calling it divisive and politically charged ahead of the August 13 elections.
The Bishops, who requested anonymity, say the event risks dragging the Church into partisan politics — against Catholic tradition and canon law.
“We shepherd people from all political parties in our parishes. To be seen holding a mass that promotes a certain agenda is contrary to Catholic teaching,” one Bishop stated.
Concerns Raised to ZCCB
In a letter dated 5th August, 2026 to the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, concerned Catholics warned that the candle symbol could be misinterpreted.
“Given that a named political party has adopted light as its official symbol, the public may perceive this event as an endorsement — even if unintended,” the letter reads.
The writers urged Church leadership to clearly state the prayer is not an endorsement of any party or candidate, to protect the Church’s role as a neutral, unifying institution.
They reaffirmed support for the Church’s role in praying for peace, unity, and a free and fair election.
See letter below written to the President of the Zambia Council of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Chama:
5th August, 2026
The President
Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB)
Catholic Secretariat
Plot BRT 60 Kabulonga Roda
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA
SUBJECT: CONCERN REGARDING PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF POLITICAL ASSOCIATION DURING PRE-ELECTION PRAYER ACTIVITIES
Your Grace,
We write as concerned Catholics who deeply appreciates the important role that the Church continues to play in providing pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and moral leadership to all people, especially during significant national moments such as the forthcoming General Election.
We hold in high esteem the Church’s tireless efforts in promoting the common good, peace, reconciliation, and ethical values within our society. The Church has consistently served as a moral compass, encouraging citizens to uphold truth, justice, unity, and respect for human dignity.
We also recognize that the symbol of light or a lamp carries profound meaning within the Christian faith. It represents faith, hope, the light of Christ, and the presence of God among His people. Within the Catholic tradition, light is a powerful symbol of God’s guidance and the call for believers to walk in truth and righteousness.
However, as a concerned member of the Christian community, we wish to respectfully raise a concern regarding the forthcoming pre-election candlelight prayers for peace organized by the Archdiocese of Lusaka. Given that a named political party has adopted the symbol of light as its official symbol, there is a possibility that some members of the public may perceive the event as being connected to, or endorsing, that political party, even if this is not the intention of the Church or its leaders.
Such perceptions, whether intended or unintended, have the potential to create misunderstanding during a sensitive electoral period. The Church has always stood as a unifying institution that welcomes and provides guidance to all citizens regardless of their political affiliation.
In the interest of maintaining the Church’s valued position as a neutral and unifying institution and ensuring that it continues to play its important role in promoting peace, integrity, fairness, and confidence in the electoral process, we respectfully request that the Church leadership clearly communicate that the candlelight prayer is not an endorsement of any political party or candidate.
Such clarification would reassure the faithful and the general public that the activity is purely a pastoral initiative aimed at praying for peace, unity, justice, and the well-being of the nation, while preserving the credibility and impartiality of the Church during this important period.
As Christians and citizens, we remain committed to working together with the Church and all stakeholders in protecting the peace, unity, and stability that Zambia has enjoyed since Independence.
Thank you for your continued service, leadership, and guidance.
Yours faithfully,