ANDELEKI CALLS ON LUSAKA ARCHBISHOP BANDA TO STEP DOWN WHILE CASE IS PENDING IN COURT.
Kazungula North Member of Parliament, Hon. Dr. Clement Andeleki, has called on the Archbishop of Lusaka, Dr. Alick Banda, to step down while his case is before the courts.
Speaking as a member of the Catholic faithful, Dr. Andeleki said a church leader facing serious criminal charges should stop presiding over Mass and other church duties until the matter is concluded.
He said it would be morally right and respectful for the Archbishop to step aside.
He cited the Pope’s acceptance of the resignation of the Chaldean Catholic Bishop of San Diego, California, who was charged with embezzlement and money laundering, saying Archbishop Banda should do the same.
“We do not allow criminality in the Catholic Church. It is a taboo for someone facing such serious charges to continue presiding over Mass and Catholic Church holy rites,” he said.
Dr. Andeleki said canon law requires that anyone who presides over Mass and other holy rites must be clean and capable of delivering the message of God.
He added that Archbishop Banda should not hide behind the Church to justify personal matters.
He stressed that Archbishop Banda was arrested as an individual, not as the Catholic Church, and therefore should not hide in the name of the Church.
“The Catholic Church belongs not to any individual but to all who are in the salvation of God. Archbishop Banda should step down while his matter is before court, for he does not portray the picture of good church leadership,” he said.
He noted that the Catholic Church is known for promoting peace, love and unity, and urged the Archbishop to leave the seat for now so that those ready and able can take it up while the matter is before the courts.
Dr. Andeleki further said that if the Archbishop wishes to participate in politics, he should leave the Catholic Church and join active politics in the opposition.
He emphasized that no one is above the law.
The call follows the arrest of Archbishop Banda on 28th September 2026.
He was formally charged by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) with possession of property reasonably believed to have been unlawfully obtained, contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code, Chapter 87 of the Laws of Zambia.
Kazungula North Media