PASTORAL DUTIES OF ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA: A Call for Patience, Unity, and the Preservation of Legal Fairness
We have carefully considered the sentiments expressed by the House of Clergy Zambia regarding the ongoing legal proceedings involving Lusaka Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda. While we deeply respect the House of Clergy’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity and public confidence of the Church, we respectfully offer a different perspective regarding the proposal for the Archbishop to temporarily step aside.
Our perspective is guided by a shared desire for justice, peace, and the protection of foundational legal rights:
Upholding Shared Legal Foundations: We agree entirely with the House of Clergy that accountability is vital and that no individual stands above the law. However, a cornerstone of this same legal system as guaranteed under Article 18 of the Constitution of Zambia is that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Upholding this principle gently ensures that we protect the rights of every citizen, regardless of their standing.
Adherence to Catholic Ecclesial Governance: It is important to emphasize that the Catholic leadership in Zambia operates under a distinct global hierarchy and is guided directly by the Holy See in Rome, rather than by non-Catholic religious formations or external local bodies. Rome is fully aware of the ongoing situation in Zambia. Decisions regarding the administration, standing, and duties of a Catholic Archbishop remain within the deliberate and careful purview of the Holy Father and the relevant Vatican authorities.
Protecting the Continuity of Leadership: Asking a senior spiritual leader to step away from active pastoral duties can inadvertently signal an admission of wrongdoing to the public, even if that is not the intention. To ensure the spiritual stability of the Archdiocese and the faithful, it is vital that leadership continues uninterrupted while the legal process takes its proper course.
Preventing Misunderstandings: The House of Clergy rightly notes that a legal case involving an individual cleric should not be viewed as a battle against the Church. By allowing the Archbishop to fulfil his duties while cooperating fully with the legal system, the Church demonstrates true institutional responsibility showing that a leader can respect the law without having to disrupt their spiritual calling over unproven allegations
Fostering Unity over Public Narrative: While managing public perception is important, our primary focus should remain on prayer, unity, and due process. Allowing external commentary or administrative pressures to dictate leadership roles may set a delicate precedent for the future of the clergy.
The Church has always been a pillar of national development, moral guidance, and reconciliation in Zambia. In this spirit of unity, we believe the most constructive path forward is to allow the legal process to proceed through the established courts of law without modifying the Archbishop’s pastoral roles, in accordance with both Zambian constitutional law and Catholic canon law. We remain prayerful that truth and justice will prevail, and we call upon the faithful to maintain peace and solidarity during this period.
Closing Blessing:
May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. We pray for wisdom for our leaders, grace for the faithful, and the enduring unity of the Church in Zambia. May Almighty God bless you all, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Fred M’membe
SP President