ZCCB STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY WITH
ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA, METROPOLITAN ARCHBISHOP OF LUSAKA.
“Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38)
We, members of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops, together with the
Catholic faithful and people of goodwill, express our fraternal solidarity with
Archbishop Alick Banda, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lusaka, as he appears before the Drug Enforcement Commission today, Monday 28th September 2026. This event was confirmed hrough a joint press statement released by the Drug Enforcement Commission and Zambia Police Service on 27th September 2026.
We affirm our deep respect for his pastoral ministry and his tireless dedication to the
service of the Church and the nation. In this moment, we recall the Church’s teaching
that every person is entitled to fairness, dignity, and due process. We therefore call
upon all concerned to ensure that these principles are upheld without prejudice or
intimidation.
Archbishop Banda has consistently spoken with courage and moral clarity, reminding
the faithful and society at large of our shared responsibility to build a society rooted
in integrity, unity and compassion.
His witness strengthens our resolve to uphold the values of justice and peace in Zambia.
As he undergoes this process, we accompany him with our prayers, asking the Lord to grant him fortitude, serenity and wisdom.
May this trial not diminish but rather deepen our collective commitment to truth, justice and the common good in Zambia.
We exhort the Catholic faithful and all people of good will to continue praying for calm, peace and unity in our nation.
Issued in Lusaka, this day, 28h September 2026, on the eve of the Feast of Archangels
Michael Gabriel and Raphael, Patrons of Zambia.
Signed for and on behalf of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).
Most Rev. Ignatius Chama,
Archbishop of Kasama and
President of ZCCB
The suspect was not stealing on behalf of the Catholic church.
The stealing was a very private matter. So how does the entire Catholic leadership throw itself into an individual’s criminality ?
Anyways, Catholic church is clearly identified as the beast in the apocalypse of John.
It is called esprit de corps or solidarity. Otherwise, these Bishops know that their Alick Banda has real issues with the law.
Abena Chi whatever, you can bull sh!t yourself as much as you want, it won’t stop that nigga from going to jail.
“When Salt loses its Saltness…”
Clearly the church is acting like “Blind sheep”.
This is when the actions of an individual should not drag the institution into the matter.
Were they informed prior to Banda accepting the car? If not then Banda ali eka. Why taint the church? Clearly those around Alick Banda dont add value to his leadership if the best they can do, is rally around what is evidently an open and closed case. Ignorance is not an excuse. The Church has lawyers. Banda could have sought advice from them. This too has a bearing on the Church. Did the Church know and accept this donation?
From prior article and statement the white Book was in Alick Banda’s name. This is why he is being called. Not the Church. Only he would know and understand how the donation was made to him. So to suggest that his being called in the investigative context, is persecution. No! Banda is being called he needs to explain to the state how he found himself in posession of a motor vehicle that according to ZRA regulations, the motor vehicle didnt follow the set out prodecure for it to be registered in his name.
Remember the Kingsley Chanda case?
So further to suggest that Alick Banda is the sole person being held accountable in this matter is also wrong.
What morality can this ‘church’ preach when it throws its full weight behind a criminally minded ‘priest’?